car repair tips

Top 10 Car Safety Tips

As more and more cars have crowded the Indian car industry, the number of car accidents has increased on roads.

With increasing number of car accidents, it has become vital to follow safety measures and safe driving tips. Everyone behind the wheels whether he is a young man, a teenager or an adult needs to learn safe driving techniques so that the incidences of accident as well as the number of fatalities caused due to auto collision is reduced.

Here is a list of the top 10 accident prevention or car safety tips that will help you reach your destination safely:

Drive slowly with a steady speed. Always use the turn signals and don’t ever follow the cars cutting diagonally.

Use safety belts in your car. Make sure that you and your children are safely buckled with the safety belts. In some new cars, you’ll also find various buckles to tie at different body parts like lap belts, shoulder belts and the usual safety belts.

Ensure that safety airbags are installed in the car. Remember that front airbags are mainly to prevent the driver and front seta passenger from collision hazards. Passenger side airbags are designed with the concept of preventing the adults with common human height that fall between 5.4 inch and 6.00 inch. If the children or people with shorter heights are seated there, the airbags will fail to protect them. If the passenger side airbags are organized to fit a suitable position, only then these airbags can benefit them.

Use of mobile phones while driving is strictly ‘No’ according to traffic rules. If in case there is an emergency call, it is recommended to stop the car at the sides and then complete your chat. There are many reasons why driving with a mobile cradled to your ears is dangerous. The primary reason is that it reduces your concentration and perception. Your attention gets diverted and you are likely to lose stability and steering control. When you look down to dial a number of pick up a call, you lose the power to see what’s ahead of you.

Avoid eating your breakfast while driving to office. This hampers your level of concentration because you are in a mood of eating something delicious. This also impairs your reaction to road alerts.

Always look forward while driving your car. This will help to improve your alertness and responsiveness to lane changing cars, changing traffic, unsafe road condition, poor weather conditions as well as expected car collisions.

Drive with both your hand on the steering wheels. Don’t show off while driving. No body on the road is bothered whether you drive with one hand or two and even if people look to that, you should look to your safety. Keeping both hands on the steering wheel helps you to respond quickly to emergency stops and expected car crash.

If you have the innovative safety features outfitted in your car, don’t wait to use them. The tyre pressure monitoring system will help you check the correct tyre inflation. Engine oil indicator will give sign of a faulty engine. Similarly, there are various such innovations that will help to indicate you of any particular car faults. Verify the indications and do the necessary repair or else the car create problems when you are on your way.

Always stay calm when behind the wheels. Road rage is the biggest culprit of the traffic as well as the road injury. Some time when fury goes beyond the limit, it also results in road fatality. So, stay cool even if you know that the other driver has crossed you from a wrong diagonal.

Always remember one thing on road: ‘Nothing is important at the cost of your life’.

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Car buy tips

Help Buying a Used Car – Buying a Used Car Steps

Buying a used car can either be the best deal you ever made, or it can be a nightmare. If you need help buying a used car you should take your time and do not get in a hurry. Know your budget. Know what you’re looking for. Pay attention to the tips listed below.

Get a Fast Auto Loan. Quick and Easy Application.

Buying a Used Car Steps

Be prepared to shop around. Talk to your family and friends for help buying a used car.They may know of someone in their circle who might be getting ready to buy a new car. Hit the internet and local newspapers. If you find a local car, you could possibly save time and frustration by being able to look at the car without taking a road trip.

Don’t Be Shy in Asking Why They Are Selling

It’s perfectly acceptable to ask why they are selling the car. Obviously, you want to avoid a car that’s had major problems. There’s nothing wrong in taking a potential purchase to your own mechanic for a once over before you buy.

How long has the current owner had the vehicle

This is a good question and is of help buying a used car. If you can find a one-owner car who’s kept the maintenance records, that’s great. The owner should be able to tell you about how the car’s been used – stop and go driving around town? Commuting?  Accidents? And of course, ask if the car has an extended warranty that comes with it.  

Look it over carefully

Look down the side of the car. If the body is not smooth, it could be an indication that the car’s been in an accident. Different shades of paint on a panel or a door could indicate a repaint job after an accident.  Look for obvious problems. Rust holes or spots may need repair. Tires may be bald, glass might be chipped or cracked. Have someone walk around the car while you operate the lights, brakes and turn signals to see that they are all working.

Save Hundreds of Dollars Per Year On Your Auto Insurance

Test drive the auto

You’ve got to do a test drive longer than once around the block. Pay attention to the transmission. If it’s an automatic is it moving from one gear to another smoothly? If it’s a manual, does the clutch work with slipping or applying excessive amounts of weight. Check the exhaust system for noise and excessive smoke. How’s the temperature? Is the ride smooth or are you fighting with the steering wheel for control? Check the parking space you moved the car from for signs of an oil leak.

Concluding the deal

The seller should provide you with the registration signed over to you, a bill of sale that clearly lists the price you paid, along with the serial number of the vehicle. If you don’t personally know the seller, you might want to get a copy of their identification. If the seller says they just don’t have the registration with them, don’t hand over your payment until they have the registration available. Call your insurance company immediately to get the car covered under your policy.  

Now you’re ready to enjoy your new ride and know how to get help buying a used car.

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car insurance tips

Teen Car Insurance-Tips for finding Low Cost Teenager Auto Insurance

Teenagers and cars do not make for a very safe combination.  The adrenalin and hormones that rage through a teenager’s veins have proven to be the cause of many accidents .  Another factor that causes road accidents is the inexperience of these new teenage drivers.  You cannot let your teenager drive out into the streets without the protection of a car insurance coverage.  These car insurance coverages can be secured from a number of insurance companies.  Most of the car insurance companies in your locality offer teen car insurance coverages to protect your teenager, his car, anything else the he might cause damage to while driving his vehicle.  The problem with these teen car insurance coverages is that these are often expensive.  Insurance companies feel that they are exposing themselves to higher risks of claims when they insure teenagers.  There are, however, ways by which you could lower your premiums when you get a car insurance coverage for your teenager.

The first tip is to shop around for the car insurance company that offers the best rates on car insurance coverages for teen drivers.  There are a lot of these insurance companies.  You have to choose the one that gives the most comprehensive coverage for the least amount of premium.  Request for online quotes.  There are websites that even offer comparative quotes that put proposals from several insurance companies side by side so you can evaluate your choices properly.  Until the teen driver reaches the age of 25, you cannot expect to get rock bottom rate.  Any insurance company who brings down their rates far lower than their competitors should warrant closer investigation.  Insurance companies that make offers that are too good to be true probably are.  Be wary of those companies that are just out to get your premium money only to prove worthless when there is a claim.

It would also be a good idea to look for car insurance companies that give discounts even for teen drivers.  There are those companies that incentivice good academic performance by giving discounts to teen drivers with good grades.  Some insurance companies offer resident student discounts to teen drivers who are no longer living with their parents or are off in a university far from home.  Such academic performance, to these insurance companies, is an indication of the amount of responsibility a teen driver exhibits.  Conversely, the prospect of being able to save money on car insurance premiums might just get your teenager to give his grades a little nudge upwards.

There are other things that you can do even prior to your teenager needing car insurance in order to set the stage for lower premiums.  You can send your teenager to driving school.  Those who successfully complete their driver’s ed course have more chances of being able to haggle for lower car insurance premiums.  Also, make sure that the car your teenager decides to purchase or the car that you choose to purchase for your teenager is one that is considered to be a low-risk car.  This simply means no SUVs, no sportscars, and no luxury cars.  A good old sedan would work well at this point in your teenager’s life unless you are willing to cough up the money for the car insurance premiums – which, by the way, is not highly recommended.  You should let your teenager pay for his own teen car insurance premiums to give him more responsibility towards keeping his car in good condition and his driving record clean and clear of any violations.

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Car buy tips

A Car Buying Story, Part Four: the Dealers

Boy, these people are something special!

You know, while researching the cars, I read a lot about dealing with car dealers. People generally have a negative attitude towards them and the whole car buying experience, and you can find tons of information on how to avoid their scams, how to lower the price, how to negotiate with them, what to tell them, etc, etc. An excellent website to inform yourself on all aspects of car buying is Car Buying Tips: (http://www.carbuyingtips.com/). Now with all the great info and details I learned from various sources, I still thought that generally the prevailing attitude is not realistic. I mean, you almost get a feeling that if you pay anything more than a factory price, you made a bad deal. You can certainly succeed in lowering the price apparently to a large extent, but it is the fact that the dealers have to make money too. Ok, sometimes just selling the car, e.g. to meet their projected numbers, is beneficial to them, and they might give away even the whole of their profit for that sake. But come on, I can consider such situation just a crazy luck, not my goal! Anyway, I think that the current craze about “beating” those prices down to the floor is just as unrealistic and aggressive as the dealer’s craze to take as much money from you as possible.

However, after this buying experience, I lost pretty much any respect and sympathy for the dealers. And I will always advise anyone never to become one. Of course some of them were great examples of normal and pleasant behaviour, but unfortunately I must say that most of them have taken the activity of deceit and aggressiveness to such extent that for an honest and well meaning man the idea of going to a dealership must be repugnant. I very quickly got such a strong feeling of insecurity about everything I was told by them. I think everything was a lie, smaller or bigger. A lot of what I’ve heard I don’t believe, and none of it I trust.

Here are some of the examples, more or less funny, from my recent experience:

Systematic approach

I enter a dealership, with the intention of exploring a car that really caught my attention simply by offering all of the basic features I wanted. So I wanted to see it, test drive it, and ask a couple of questions. So I ask the dealer: “I’ve read that the crash test scores for this model are not that good, most are graded 3 out of 5. Now, I know that there are different tests, and you can’t judge simply by the grade. Do you know more details about those tests and the scores? What is tested exactly, and how did they score the cars?”

The answer was: “Yes, yes I know, the scores are not the best possible. I know. But you know — what do they mean really? (And I’m thinking — yes, that is exactly what I asked) You see, a grade of 3 is really not that bad. It’s almost like 4. What is the difference? Almost nothing let me tell you. And also, all of that means something only in most severe crashes!!”

Well, no kidding!! What a thorough explanation. Now I understand and my worries are gone. And what a relief. So, if a car is simply parked on a lot, I shouldn’t worry that it will suddenly open the hood and hit me right in the face!

Bonding

A question occurred to me about a car, and I decided to drop by a dealership to ask. My visit was about 10 minutes long — of course we exchanged numbers, I got the brochure and usual stuff. Tomorrow morning, my cell phone rings, I answer and I get this:

- “Hey Michael, Jord here from the dealership.”

- “Hey Jord, how are you, what’s up?” (I thought he might have just gotten some good used car)

- “Nothing, nothing…just wanted to see how are you.”

Huh… If this doesn’t sound as a start of a beautiful friendship I don’t know what does!

Then he goes on:

- “So have you made a decision on which car you want?”

- “No, not really, not yet. I told you I’ll need some time, and I’m not rushing really.”

- “Ok, tell me, what’s blocking it? Can I help?”

Man, of course you can! Go do something else instead of asking me questions…

Landing on all four whatever happens

I wasn’t sure about a size of a trunk of one of the models, so on my visit to the dealerships I brought couple of boxes and a cart that I use often to see how they fit into the trunk. Now this was one of the smaller cars, so I wasn’t sure about the trunk size. And I tell the dealer what I’d like to do and he says no problem. So I take out the stuff and he laughs:

- “C’mooon, how can you doubt it — that will fit without a problem. Don’t worry!!”

- “Wait, wait, let me try, I know what I’m talking about.”

And then I try, and he tries, but it doesn’t go so easy — the cart is a bit long and the boxes a bit high. Separately they go in no problem, but together, not that easy. Finally, he laughs again and remarks:

- “And you really thought ALL OF THAT will fit into this trunk??!!”

Wha…??

Get all the money you can

I receive a long talk describing how I should buy the replacement insurance. And the more expensive one (“better” in the jargon), which covers you for a longer time and gives you the value of the new car, rather the amount that you paid. Ok, that is a fine product. Now I also get a long description on how I should absolutely buy a VIN engraving package where they engrave the VIN on all windshields so that the thieves are less likely to steal it (they can’t sell the windshields for parts). It’s about $300. Well, I gave both of these things a good thought, but tomorrow I realized a simple thing: Why do I need two protections? If I get the replacement insurance, and if they are going to give me a new car if mine is stolen, why would I then protect it even more?? Damn, I should also probably buy two cars in case one is stolen after all.

And on top of that, I found on the internet that the engraving kit, very simple to use and apply, can be bought for mere $20.

Get all the money you can — again

This one is well-known, and usually titled as a “dealer scam”, but I decided I put it here anyways just as another example.

So I finally decide to buy the car and I arrive to the dealership at around 6:00pm. I expect the process to last about an hour. However, little thing here and there and I end up at the dealership for four hours. I think ok, nobody’s fault, there are simply a lot of things to do and a lot of people to involve — the dealer, finance guy, insurance girl, then the finance guy again, then the manager because there was an error, etc. So, I get the contract with all the figures there, and everything looks fine: all the figures match almost perfectly to mine that I calculated before. Except one thing — $900 of loan life insurance. So I ask:

- “Why is it there? Is that mandatory?”

- “Well, we made such an application to Company’s Finance.”

- “Ok, but is it mandatory?”

- “We could reapply and see what happens — if you have life insurance elsewhere.”

Now, you see, I am not too easy to confuse, but it was late and I didn’t want to repeat the whole process again, so I’m thinking: “Ok, I’m going to think about it tomorrow.” And I let it by. Now good thing was that I had the contract with me (I had to take it home for my wife to sign), so I wasn’t too worried.

Anyhow, in the morning I realize that not only it is not mandatory to have the insurance and that I definitely do not need life insurance elsewhere, but another application without it will certainly go through. And, at that point I sincerely doubted that they need to make another application at all. So I get really angry and I go there and I get the exact same answer again. So I say:

- “Let’s apply again; I am sure the application will go trough. I simply don’t want it and I never wanted it and I never asked for it. And if it doesn’t we’ll see then what we do.”

And she does the paperwork, and seeing me irritated remarks: “Don’t worry I’m sure it will go trough.”

Of course it will — and it does.

Get on customer’s side — even if you overdo it

One of the dealers was affirming every little thing I said. It got funny and a bit annoying:

He thought that the features I wanted are absolutely the only important features in the car.

He was also in computer business just a few years ago.

The funniest was when we discussed payment options. He told me that leasing is a better option if I want to change the car every couple of years. So I say:

- “You know, I am more the other type of buyer, at least so far. I drive one car for years before I buy a new one, so I probably won’t go with the lease.”

- “I understand, I completely understand. You know, the worst part of the auto business for me is that you simply have to change the car every 1-2 years. I hate that. If I wasn’t selling cars, I would do the same as you.”

Well, this really made me feel like home. C’mon guys, we just met and will probably never see each other again; don’t do these things.

Advertise what you have

This one was not really on the negative side, it was just funny. I went to Subaru and dealers there were actually very cool. They were very cooperative, and without the aggressive edge. And they never called me to push or ask whether I’ve made a decision. They also have a great program where you can take the car for 24hr test drive. I had really a good experience with them.

Anyhow, I told this dealer that I know that their cars use specific technology in their engine that is different from all other cars, and that repairs can be expensive. And he says:

- “Yeah, it’s so called Boxer engine where pistons are opposed horizontally instead of vertically. But we are not the only ones to use it… Porsche uses it — you know Porsche Boxster. … And some smaller planes.”

Well, that much for the affordable repairs…

Then he also added that it’s an old technology that has been well perfected so far and that I shouldn’t worry really, which was a bit more reassuring.

Always fish for customer’s weak spots — even in the dark

Honda was giving rebate and they advertised it everywhere: that was very important sales pitch. Now I come to a dealership, and one of the first things the guy tells me is:

“You know, I’ll tell you one thing: we will give you a good rebate, and it’s Honda’s rebate but most of the dealers won’t even mention it.”

He made it as if he is letting me know a secret, and not only that it isn’t, but it’s all over radio, their website, everywhere. But I might have been uninformed and careless and would think that I’m getting a special deal.

Lie like there’s no tomorrow and hope you don’t get caught

I was quite close to buying a car so I called some dealerships inquiring whether they have a certain model and the color on the lot. I told them I don’t want the car to be brought from some other dealership. I want to see the car and get the one I saw. This is because I don’t want to get into whole new set of issues and questions. For example, one dealer told me that they charge extra delivery fee if they bring the car from other dealership, which is by the way ridiculous and perhaps deserves story on its own. It can also happen that the car that arrives is different in some detail than what you wanted, and you already signed the papers. Etc.

So I made sure they know what I want, and then came to one of the dealerships. We chat a bit and then I say:

- “So let me see the car.”

- “Oh, I was afraid you were gonna ask me that. I really don’t know exactly where the car is.”

I laugh: “But I told you I want to see the car before I buy it.”

- “Oh, don’t worry — it’s here, I’m just not sure where.”

- “Ok, I’ll go outside and look for it.”

- “But our lots are really big.”

- “I don’t mind, I have the time.”

- “But they are not really all here — we have two lots a few blocks away.”

I just don’t like arguing that much — in cases like these I give up and simply walk away.

A good guy

The positive highlight was a young dealer for which I could quickly tell that he is not (yet) turned his abilities into a deceitful routine — he even gets confused a bit when I ask him a stupid question. To me that is the normal reaction. And when I asked him what he drives, he said: “an old Volvo, you know it’s a really good car.” I am really sorry that cars he was selling were not suitable for me — I would have been very happy to buy one from him. And I didn’t even feel like negotiation with him at all.

—————————————————————————–

Read the rest on following pages:

Part One: Why and What?

Part Two: How?

Part Three: Models and Makes

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car repair tips

Orlando Car Repair Shops – General Tips

You might be taking your car for a routine check up or a replacement or correction in some specific function. So, when going for oil change or tire rotation or just a tune up, you should ensure that your chosen Orlando car repair shop gives you

·    A comprehensive list of all items/ parts that would be either serviced or replaced.
·    How much the labor would cost and how long will it take?
·    The turnaround time.

However, if it is the alternative reason that is bringing you to an Orlando car repair shop, you would need in addition an exact and de-facto diagnosis of the issue with the car. Remember, a wrong analysis of the problem will only cost you unnecessary repairs. This also demands that you know the purview of unnecessary repairs.

Any repair that’s urgent or essential as per manufacturer’s warranty specifications is a necessary repair. An Orlando car repair service is expected to let you know which repair is immediate, essential and recommended, respectively. While essential repairs may not appear immediate at times, but they are necessary because such repairs represent preventive measures to avert a major overhaul later on.

Remember that no additional repair can be initiated without your knowledge and authorization. You should expect the Orlando car repair shop to show you all the old parts of your vehicle that had to be replaced, unless offset by a technical glitch.

When to expect high repair bills

You should also be clear that it is not always a dishonest Orlando car repair service that is behind high car repair bills. Many a times, it is lack of proper communication, or rather say, misinterpretation of information that inflicts your pocket with overcharge. If your car needs replacement of car equipment like fuel injectors, engines, catalytic converters or transmission etc., you cannot avert an expensive bill. These items are not called “big-ticket” items just like that.

High end repair bills also occur with older vehicles more than newer ones. It is because the older your car becomes, the more money it demands to meet major repairs due to extensive wear and tear.

In the end, a bit of Google search will help you clear all your suspicions and doubts as regards. So, best of luck!

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car repair tips

sports car care tips

sports car care tips

 

Taking Good Care of One’s Sports Car

Sports cars which range in price from $15,000 to $100,000 or higher and are cars that people do not buy every day. Since these vehicles can be purchased locally or imported, and cost a lot of money, you should take care to insure that you will enjoy this piece of machinery for a long time.

• Before taking the sports car for a drive, it is always best to check the brakes, the oil and the tires. If any of these are inadequate, you should correct the problem to prevent an accident that might occur before you arrive at your destination.

• There are two things that make a sports car run. One is gas and the other is electricity from the battery. By checking the battery either at home or at a station while fueling up, you can be sure that the car won’t suddenly die when you are driving down the road.

Get Diamonds Today

• To keep the paint of the car free from damage caused by weather conditions, it is best to keep the vehicle inside a garage when it is not in use. If you do not have any choice, but to park the vehicle outdoors, it is best to park in a covered area away from trees that may cause scratches should branches fall on the car.

• Some of the smallest things that are wrong with the vehicle must be addressed immediately to prevent the situation from getting worse. If the driver hears a sound or noise that was not there before, it is best to take the car to a repair shop just to check and make sure there is not anything wrong.

• Another thing you must do when driving the vehicle is check the gauges on the dashboard regularly. Should one of these sensors suddenly light up, you should stop the vehicle and try to determine the problem. If are not sure, call a mechanic or go there and have the problem fixed.

BesT sports Cars Here

• Simple things in the car need to be replaced every few thousand miles; such as the oil, the filters and the tires etc. This will keep the car in tip top condition if you decide to go on trip or in case of an emergency.

It doesn’t take that much time or effort to make sure that the car is in good condition. All it takes is proper maintenance and listening to the engine when the car is started and when on the road. Most dealers have a routine maintenance check every 3,000 – 5,000 miles so you should avail yourself of it to make sure that you are safe when on the road.

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car insurance tips

Car Insurance – Tips on Getting the Best Car Insurance Rates

Times are hard and we need to economize on many things. However, our cars are essential to our lives and our jobs. We don’t want to fret about high car insurance costs but car insurance is mandatory both for legal reasons and for our own peace of mind. It’s not something we want to skimp on. However, there are ways to minimize the costs of our auto insurance without compromising the quality of he coverage. If you think you’re getting the cheapest car insurance for your needs right now, you may want to reconsider after reading these tips on getting the best car insurance rates.

The first thing to do is to take stock of your individual situation and that of your vehicle to see if there are any ways to get a reduction in your auto insurance rates.

For one thing, if you are a member of the armed services, you are eligible for a military discount on your auto insurance rates. Also, if you haven’t been involved in any accidents for a number of years you can apply for a safe driver discount. And if you just use your car to commute to work, you could apply for a lower mileage discount. Some insurers recognizing that the less your drive your car, the less likely you are to have an accident will offer such a discount.

Another thing you can do to get lower rates is to take a defensive driver or driver education course. These courses are recognized by insurance companies and you’ll soon recap the cost of the course through lower insurance premiums.

Next there’s the matter of your vehicle. Some insurance companies offer discounts on insurance for vehicles with certain safety features such as air bags, anti lock brakes, automatic restraint systems, and automatic daytime lights.

By doing such an inventory on yourself and your vehicle, you can make sure you’re taking advantage of any discounts that insurers might be offering.

However, the most significant savings in car insurance you can make are those that come from getting your auto insurance online. Not only can this kind of comparison shopping get your the best rates, you can also be sure that the companies involved are reputable.

The procedure is very simple. You visit the web site an insurance comparison company and enter your zip code. You will then get a list of companies in your area that can provide you with a range of car insurance quotes. You can choose one or all of these companies. Simply fill in the usual details regarding home, vehicle and driving history and you will be presented with a range of quotes from local car insurance providers. You can then compare these to decide on the most suitable offering for you. These sites also provide contact information where you can ask more questions.

By comparing car insurance quotes online in this way you can save yourself a lot of time and effort compared to contacting local insurance companies individually. It also beats calling companies up on the phone and having to give out all your details over and over again. By comparing online, you can be sure you’re getting the lowest insurance quotes for your state. However, don’t forget that price is not the only factor you should take into account when getting insurance for your car.

One important thing to remember when comparing auto insurance rates is that the cheapest quote doesn’t necessarily represent the best value. When you get your auto insurance quotes, consider what the policies actually cover. You need to think about the types of coverage offered, what is covered (and what is not), the coverage amounts and deductibles. And be sure to check the policy exclusions section of the document.

You also need to inquire about each company’s process for filing auto insurance claims. You need to be sure about the procedure and the length of time involved in handling and processing any claim. Should you be involved in a car accident, it’s comforting to know your insurance company will handle things in an efficient and timely manner.

Using an auto insurance comparison site is the easiest and most comfortable way to find out what rates and policies are being offered in your area and thus being able to get real value in your car insurance.

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Car buy tips

Used Car Buying

Owning a four wheeler have become necessity in todayâ??s motorized world. Every one cannot opt for a new car but can always own â??Used carâ?? it is also an added advantage if you have just learnt driving. In this way you can refine your driving as well as build up enough confidence to before investing a substantial amount on new car. There are certain fundamentals that have to be followed before buying a car. Especially if it is a used car you have to be careful and well acquainted before investing. To start with:

Budget and selection of a car: (pricing, brand, model)â?¦
Before buying a car one should always have a rough estimate about spending plan. This way you can select the cars that falls in your budget and then compare it with other cars of same class..
Next thing you have to keep in your mind is â??what kind of car do I want to buy? Or with which manufactures should I go?â?? Decide on buying cars depending on your requirement and in this way selection becomes much easier.

Look for hidden points
History: (antecedents, accidents, insurance, and depreciation)â?¦
Inspect the chassis of the car thoroughly; the body line will give an idea whether the car was involved in a accident. You can check any sign of repainting, similar color body parts etcâ?¦. the insurance formalities like regular premiums are paid, policy is revised etcâ?¦

Ownership: (antecedents: single owner/multiple owner)
It is very important to enquire about its ownership as its been owned by a single or multiple owner and if it is multiple , there will value depreciation depending upon its condition.

When inspecting a car always check for mechanical and technical problems. As itâ??s a pre-owned car, proper overall review is necessary. Start with its engine: that it should idle smoothly with out any sputtering and also accelerate with out any hesitation.
Wheel alignment plays a very vital role, uneven wear and tear of tyres-balding on the sides or in the middle-indicate poor alignment. Check for battery condition, heat up the engine to check the air-conditioner efficiency also check with the deforestation, defogger fan, heaterâ?¦every single detail that will give value for your buy. Another important thing that has to be kept in mind before buying a car is with its titles and credentials. Ensure that all the paper works are in order, because sometimes it is possible that you may be buying a stolen car. Checklists of the important documents are as follows:
â?¢ RC Book (Registration book/certificate)- Also known as Blue book is issued by the RTO (certain offices of some state does not provide the document in the form of booklet rather it will be a single document â??Form 21â??) the where it reveals the date and address of registration and the record of the owners vehicle, the engine number, chassis number (the engine and the chassis numbers has to be verified with that shown in the book). An entry in the book also acknowledges how many times the vehicle has been sold, the details of the previous of the previous owner (name and address). The state registration should be verified, as it has to be registered with the same state where you intend to use your car otherwise you have to get it transferred it which is again a cumbersome process with lots of formalities and time consuming.

â?¢ Tax certificate/book â?? This document contains details about tax paid. The RTO tax is a lifetime tax that has to pay by the owner (some state collect life time tax and some have annual tax payment) and if the papers are not clear, you will have to bear all the unpaid taxes. Another tax that people often forget or ignore it is the road tax, so ensure that all the papers are clear before finalizing your deal.

â?¢ Insurance â?? Another vital document which is mandatory for any transfer by RTO. Premiums are paid on regular basis and it is always better to check the due date and also ensure that the insurance papers are transferred in your name before your buy. Though any of these insurance papers cannot give you a clear picture about the vehicle involved in any accidents but still itâ??s a assurance towards the â??safety of the carâ??

â?¢ Invoice â?? Demand for the original invoice as every owners keep original invoice given to them by the car dealers/showrooms. The invoice encloses all the car details (purchase date, year, chassis and engine number) which give an idea about its original prize. The invoice also gives the information if the car is financed or not.

â?¢ NOC (no objection certificate)- If the car is purchased on finance, ask for its documents from the finance company stating all the dues are paid and the company have no claim on the vehicle any more.
Form 35- you must have a copy of this duly signed by the financer.

â?¢ PUC certificate (pollution under control)- every car needs a PUC certificate and it is valid up to one year for every new car and has to be obtained in every six months.

Always do your homework before buying your car in terms of researching. Search for online information about the car your looking for, go for its technical and mechanical details and check for its resale value. In this computer world we can get any information from anyone and from anywhere. Use online quotes that will be a great help, compare cars as well as look for best deals with different dealers. Do a thorough study about your car before buying rather than going for the first car you came across. Instead of hurrying, take your time, look as many as cars you can and have an eye for detailing and then decide for the â??right carâ?? you want to own. Once you feel your research is complete and now you are ready to look out for your car, comes the next step.

Ratify the value of the vehicle
It is not necessary that everyone is well versed with knowledge about cars. May be to
a certain extent but to know a in and out of a used car, a professional opinion is must.
It is always better to consult a mechanic or get it rated in authorized service center and if you are dealing with a private party then be always on guard as vehicle sold to you could be stolen. You can also contact the dealers to know about the warranty features and also about the resale value of the car.

Exterior Check
Check for the overall condition of the car like dents, nick, scratch, repaint, working condition of light, tail lamps, indicator, wiper (flick all the switches and check if everything working properly ). Also check the tyres in terms of wear and tear, (if you donâ??t get a good radial tyre, then try to reduce the prize further ) oil tank for its leakage. It is also very important to check the undercarriage of the car. Check for the shock absorbers, lean hard on the corner of the car and release and if the car is rocking up and down then it may need replacing.

Interior check
Go through the warning indicator lights, speedometer, the fuel gauge and the other gauge work properly, also check for the glove box lock is intact. Coming to the seating, look if the headrest, adjustable seats, door handles, window knobs, interior lights, seat belts.
Also check for the air-conditioning, ensure that all the A/C switches are working and the proper air flows through all the provided vents. Look for any squeaky noise while opening any window or door. Also ensure that the locking system is perfect. The last thing people look for is the tool kit, but one should make sure all the tools present in the kit. Look for the

Once the all the interior and exterior factors are analyzed, now itâ??s the time to take the car for a ride in a literal meaning.

Test drive
One cannot just have a overall look and then decide on buying a car. It is very important to take a test derive so that one will have a clear picture about the car. It is better to take a longer stretch so that the engine is heated up. Once the car is warmed up check if there is any kind of noise or vibration or even any kind of odor and any kind of unusual sound or vibration will be an invitation for a major trouble. Check if the steering wheel is perfect, there should not be any kind of vibration. Test the pressure with the hand breaks as well as with the pedal brakes. Drive it on a empty long stretch with a 30kph and apply hard brakes, the car should come to a stop with in no time with out any pressure or vibration. The pedals should be smooth and applying brakes should not with much effort.

Finance factor
Work at your payment mode before your venture forth, avoid credit card payment through because of high interest rates. And if you are looking for finance, It is always better to avoid the third party concept in any kind of financing, always go for the direct finance as it will save your time as well as money. Opt for easy-payable EMI with zero interest option(now there are leading banks that provide affordable and easily repayable â??used car loansâ??.

Clinch the deal
So now as you are well versed and clear with all the technical, mechanical as well as legal details, keep in mind certain important points before finalizing the deal.

? Ensure that all the terms and conditions of the deal are obtained in writing: This will give a clear picture to both the parties involved in a deal (previous as well as the current owner). There will be no space for confusion to arise.

? Negotiate for a better prize: As it is buyers market you can always have your say in terms of bargaining. Before you go for your car shopping, ensure that your are aware with the value of the car youâ??re buying and the value of trade in. The seller should get the idea that you are also aware of the car markets; you should be always ready for the bargain-battle.

? Know that a well stocked dealer will cut a better deal

Last but not the least and the most important factor that has t be taken care after finalizing the deal is :

Transferring Ownership
With the sale of the care, the ownership also changes. The original owner (Transferor), who is selling the car should inform the RTO with whom the car was registered with in 14 days with a letter of information about the new owner (Transferee) and incase the new owner falls into the jurisdiction of another RTO, then the Transferor has to inform the this RTO with the similar letter and receiving an acknowledgment of receipt of the letter from the RTO, the transferor is indemnified of all legal, tax, traffic, criminal and other liabilities pertaining to the car. The seller must also take a delivery note signed by a buyer. And if the car has being transferred is in another state, then the transferor has to get a NOC(no objection certificate, form 28â??) from his RTO and forward to the RTO in whose jurisdiction the new owner stays. NOC is accompanied by another set of documents required to transferring ownership as follows:

â?¢ Form “TCA” – Intimation of transfer by Transferee (buyer)
â?¢ Form “TCR” – Intimation of transfer by Transferor (seller)
â?¢ Form No.29 – Notice of transfer of ownership of vehicle.
â?¢ Form No.30 – Report of transfer of ownership of vehicle.
â?¢ Valid Insurance policy
â?¢ PUC Certificate
â?¢ Address proof of the Transferee (the buyer)

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Car buy tips

Car Buying Tips for Teens

When youâ??re twenty down and still schooling, owning a car can be a challenge.

From selecting the most suitable model to financing the purchase and processing legal rights to sustaining gas and maintenance, everything should be thoroughly planned out.

Sporty looks usually win the teenagerâ??s heart and when youâ??re young and dreamy, you think of having the latest and most advanced automobile which you can race around the town with your best friends by your side and behind you on the driverâ??s seat, while onlookers drool on your elegant Porsche Cayman or sporty Land Rover or that Toyota Corolla Altis Sport.

However, the prime consideration in buying that dream car is of course, how much you can afford to pay off without the carâ??s price going over the top of what its normal selling worth is. It is advisable to choose one which payment you can complete in no more than 48 months with about 20% of your resources enough to be allocated to a fund for the maintenance and repair.

The biggest glitch is when your parents are still the ones footing your bill for the most part and you want to be on your own at buying that dream car of yours and you donâ??t have an established credit history yet. The most common deal here is to take on a rider by co-signing credit with your parents on your side, though if you should fail on complying terms, the default would go down to your parentsâ?? account.

A used car worth approximately $10,000 would be a thrifty investment for a Pontiac Vibe or Ford Focus, but if you can afford about $20,000, a new Impreza wonâ??t be a bad idea. A 97 Outback or cars of traditionally Japanese branding such as Toyota, Honda, and Subaru, specifically designed with high-endurance engines and great snow traction make top picks especially for safe wintertime teen age drives.

But in whatever car deal, it would be good to research at the least for information on standard features of the vehicle you are purchasing as well as potential upgrades and depreciation costsâ??one, to obtain value for you money; and two, to protect your investment in time for a possible trade-in or resale.

Aside mileage and serviceability, consider a vehicle for which aftermarket replacement will not be too much of a trouble. If your car is too exquisite, you might encounter difficulties in looking for your spare Toyota AC Condenser . If such a thing happens, not only does your car get a downgrade in aesthetics or efficiency, it also depreciates in value due to a broken or missing part.

Also, be wary of car deal scams including â??as regardâ? insurance policies. Seek advice from your parents and people you know to be expert on these matters before entering any contract. It still pays a lot to listen to people who have experience.

Popularity: 1% [?]

car repair tips

Car Repairs: Safety Precautions

The lagging economy has pushed all of us to look for alternative ways to save some cash. Completing simple car repairs maintenance tasks yourself is a great way to do this. Things like changing your oil or rotating your tires can easily be done in the comfort of your own garage without the big expense of a mechanic. But you must keep in mind that your safety is incredibly important, follow my tips and youâ??ll be safe when completing your auto repairs.

First make sure that youâ??ve got the proper tools for the job you are completing. If the job calls for a socket ratchet then you shouldnâ??t reaching for that old pair of pliers to get the job done. You may need to invest in some new tools, but the initial investment will pay itself off in no time. Get some safety goggles. There are tons of things underneath your car that could potentially fall or drip into your eyes. As result this could cause your severe pain or worse severe eye damage, so reach for the glasses every time you crawl underneath your ride. Donâ??t wear jewelry while making repairs. Something loose like a metal bracelet could easy cause an electrical short circuit which will be incredibly hot and dangerous for you. Long hair can also be dangerous, so make sure to pin it back before beginning your first repair. No what youâ??re doing. If it isnâ??t exactly clear to you what must be done to complete the job, you may want to refer to your car manual or seek the advice of a friend before taking the plunge with that new exhaust system. Making a mistake could be dangerous to you and your car. Always be conscience of your surroundings and potential safety threats. Many different accidents can come up if you arenâ??t continually aware. Be smart and youâ??ll keep yourself safe.

Popularity: 1% [?]