by: Thomas Morva
If you are moving a standard passenger car and want to investigate different car transport trailer options there are many possibilities in today’s auto shipping industry offered to the discerning customer. Open carrier transport is the most popular and least expensive type of auto shipping.
In most cases, your car will be transported on an eight or 10-car hauler, the same type of trucks used to deliver new cars. These trucks are 75-80 feet long and almost 14 feet high. They can be difficult to maneuver and are limited to major roads that are free of low hanging trees and low clearance bridges. Make sure you keep this in mind when directing the truck to the pick-up location. If you want to make sure that your car stays clean, and avoids all highway wear and tear, then have your car transported in an enclosed car transport trailer.
Enclosed trailers protect your car from all road hazards and weather for the duration of the trip. Due to the premium equipment and service provided with enclosed car trailers, it is usually the most expensive option in auto shipping. The following features are often available at an additional cost: lift gates for safe horizontal loading, ramp gates for long wheelbase vehicles, and winches for inoperable vehicles.
This car transport trailer option is excellent for costly or exotic cars. Some other popular enclosed trailer options for secure car transport are: six-car enclosed trailers, four-car enclosed trailers, and two-car non-stacking enclosed trailers. Multi-car or enclosed transport sometimes can't be used due to height and width issues. Be sure to check the specs of the trailer and the size of your car.
Some drivers prefer to transport their own vehicle. It is best to learn from a trained professional some of the nuances of moving cars. When you buy or rent a trailer ask for basic driving instructions and transport hints. There are some car transport trailer companies that will custom build your own trailer the way you want it. This option will depend on your budget and your specific needs.
When choosing the proper car transport trailer for your car, discuss the length and weight of your car with the car trailer company to ensure it is within legal load specifications. More over if you are renting or buying, look for companies with large inventories and factory stock so you can avoid waiting for the trailer that you want.
Finding the appropriate car transport trailer to fit your specific needs and budget should be an easy task providing that you know you budget limitations, special travel requirements for your car, and length of trip. In today’s market there are literally hundreds of car transport trailer options out there, and you can count on finding the right one for you in no time at all.
About the author:
Car Transport Info provides detailed information about car transport services and trailers, as well as advice on locating an cheap, domestic and international car transport company for your standard, classic, or exotic car.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
All you need to know about pick-up trucks
by: suwan k
About the author:
Suwan K. is a manager of car online info - car online , car online info website devoted to the used truck - car sale or news and information on Internet.
Although diesel prices have shot up to about Bt23 per litre, cars with diesel engines are still more popular than their petrol-driven counterparts due to their durability and functionality in varying weather conditions. This is thanks to the lack of a high-powered ignition system.
In Thailand, diesel-powered pickups will enjoy continued popularity for decades to come. Motorists, especially in the provinces, need vehicles that can tackle varying road conditions and carry lots of cargo and people. Thus we see pickups being modified for many purposes and hence classified into several vehicle categories.
I'm interested car in the Mitsubishi Strada. I want to know whether it is a good choice for driving to work as well as driving back to my hometown that is about 400 km from Bangkok once a month. On the way back I need to carry lots of OTOP products weighing about 500-700 kg.
You should have mentioned whether you are interested in the 2.5 or the 2.8-litre engine. Anyway, I recommend the 2.9-litre 4M40 engine because the fuel economy is about the same as the 2.5-litre, but it’s more durable. It also uses a chain-type timing belt, which lasts much longer than the belt type so you don’t have to worry about replacing the timing belt. The body and suspension is similar.
If you are not in a hurry to get the Strada, I strongly suggest you wait another one to two months for the new Mitsubishi Triton pickup which will be available with 2.5-litre direct injection, 2.5-litre common-rail and 3.2-litre 4M41 DOHC 16-valve common-rail engines. The design has been totally revamped.
So if you can, it’s much better to wait and see how the new truck is. You can get the information from test drives in your preferred newspaper and then make the decision.
I have a 1993 Mitsubishi Champ that has covered 130,000 km but its condition is very good. I would like to sell this car. How much would I get?
You won’t get more than Bt75,000 to Bt80,000 if you sell it to a used car or truck dealer, but the condition must be really good. If you are patient and sell to a direct buyer, then you can raise the price up to Bt120,000. If the potential buyer bargains for Bt100,000 you should sell it. If the body is good with no rust, it is a nice car because parts are cheap and the engine is very economical.
After buying the truck I want to install a roof over the bed. Which is better – the fibreglass Carryboy or steel Sammitr?
Fibreglass roofs are light and look better thanks to a moulding process. There are several brands in the market that are very popular. Steel roofs are stronger and can help reduce damage if the truck overturns. The shade of the paint also matches the body and stays good for a long time compared to fibreglass roofs.
The extra weight may result in increased fuel consumption, but it is so small you can't measure it. Another advantage of steel roofs is that you can mount a roof rack on top.
However, when parked under direct sunlight, the roof gets very hot and if you have an extra air-conditioner at the rear, it will be forced to work harder than with a fiberglass roof.
About the author:
Suwan K. is a manager of car online info - car online , car online info website devoted to the used truck - car sale or news and information on Internet.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
All About Wheels: Guide In Buying Replacement Auto Wheels
by: Tracy Dawson
About the author:
Tracy is a 29 year old researcher and writer from Dallas, Texas with extensive experience in writing auto-related articles and covering automotive related events. She is currently a contributing writer for a leading automotive e-zine.
As cars became more advanced, auto users likewise continuously increased their consciousness on how their cars should look and perform. There’s simply no particular vehicle that can suffice all of a users’ ever-changing needs and wants; thus, one does a lot of things to improve his car and make it more enjoyable to drive and ride. One of the things auto users frequently do to improve their vehicle’s looks and performance is to change the wheels of the car.
The wheel or the rim particularly refers to the metal ring on which the tire is attached but it also refers to both the rim and the tire as a whole. The wheels are among the most essential parts in the car since they are the ones that make your vehicle move. They “interact” with the road and thus greatly affect your car’s handling and ride quality.
Replacing the wheels is easier now and your choices are much greater as well. Stores like Auto Parts Corner provide great variety of OEM-quality auto parts including Ford wheels, GMC wheels, Mazda wheels, and BMW wheels. What’s more exciting is that you can purchase these products online. Aside from getting excellent choices, you get to save time, money and your efforts as well in purchasing replacement wheels for your car. You can expect amazing Auto Parts Wholesale deals from stores like this as well since more and more auto parts stores online are offering different kinds of replacement and aftermarket parts for almost all makes and models at great discount prices.
Purchasing replacement wheels and other auto parts may be a lot easier now however you still have to be wise and meticulous enough in selecting the sources of the parts you’re going to install on your vehicle. Thousands of stores online may be offering the same deals on numerous kinds of Ford parts, BMW parts, Chevrolet parts, Toyota parts and other most sought after replacement automotive parts but you can never be so sure of their products’ quality. It’s better to get auto parts from trusted sources like Auto Parts Corner.
Likewise, you must be particular about the dimensions of the wheels you are purchasing. You must be very careful in choosing the right replacement wheels for your car so as not to compromise safety and your riding comfort. Although you want to enhance your car’s appearance, the way the wheel looks should not be your basis in choosing it over a more durable and high quality wheel.
Here are some auto terms related to auto wheels. Understanding these can be of great help in making the right choices on the kind of wheels you need to purchase in lieu of the original equipment.
Wheel Diameter. This refers to diameter of the metal ring, on which the bead of the tire rests. This is usually indicated on the wheels itself in inches. If you don’t find it on the wheel, know the size of the tires mounted on it. To achieve more athletic look, wheels with larger diameter matched with low profile tires are usually used as replacement for the stock wheels.
Wheel width. This is the distance between the vertical edges of the rim where the tire bead seats. Ideally, the wheel width must be the same as the width of the tread of the tire (circumference of the outside surface of the tire).
Wheel balancing. This procedure is done with the wheels off the car. This ensures that the weight of the wheels is distributed evenly around the axle.
Wheel offset. This refers to the distance between the mounting surface of the wheel to the car (particularly the attachment surface of the disc at the wheel hub) and the center of the rim. This is crucial to the proper positioning of the tires.
About the author:
Tracy is a 29 year old researcher and writer from Dallas, Texas with extensive experience in writing auto-related articles and covering automotive related events. She is currently a contributing writer for a leading automotive e-zine.
All about Toyota Mirrors: Functions, Importance and Buying guide
by: Terry Brown
About the author:
Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto
related. He is currently employed as a market analyst by one of the top car parts company in the area. His automotive articles provide valuable source of information for auto enthusiasts like him as well as to those in need of automotive research.
Most auto parts are important in the proper operation of an automobile. Meanwhile, some play a more important role in keeping the vehicle and its occupants safe. Auto Mirrors are some of the most important safety features of any automobile. We most often associate mirrors with vanity, but in automobiles, mirrors serve primarily for safety. Mirrors serve as a second pair of eyes for the driver by giving a good view, with a slight glance of the eye, of what is happening behind the vehicle without taking his eyes of the road. Visibility is always important and mirrors make sure that whatever is beyond the normal periphery of the driver's vision is made visible. Thus, the driver can react appropriately to whatever is happening behind him and avoid any accidents.
There are two basic types of auto mirrors: the rear view mirror and the side mirrors. The rear view mirror is a wide rectangular mirror that the driver's use to view anything behind the car. With a rear view mirror, the driver doesn't have to turn around to see what's going on behind the car. By simply glancing upward, the driver is able to see whether another car is coming too close or whether the rear of the car is about to hit something, for example, when parking. Rear view mirrors are indispensable in the safety of any car. In some cars, a "day/night" selector switch adjusts the tilt of the mirror so that it would divert most of the light striking it upwards to the car's headliner. This makes the mirror more useful as it minimizes the glare.
The other important types of mirrors are the side mirrors. Side mirrors are further divided into two kinds: driver's side mirrors and passenger's side mirror. The driver's side mirror is located at the driver's side of the car's body. As with the rear view mirror, the driver's side mirror provides an important view of whatever is behind or beside the car without the driver having to turn around. The mirror can be adjusted to match the necessary visibility position. The driver's side mirror is often adjusted manually outside the car. In some cars, the mirror can be adjusted inside the car by a series of cables. At the other side of the car's body is the passenger's side mirror, which has the same functions as the one on the driver's side.
Auto Mirrors are very important parts of any automobile. Without them, the safety of the vehicle and its occupants is greatly compromised. Thus, defective or damaged auto mirrors must be replaced at once so that the safety of the car and its passengers is not endangered. Replacement auto mirrors are some of the most common auto parts available. Toyota vehicle owners would find that Toyota Mirrors are readily available. If you are looking for aftermarket Toyota Parts such as Toyota mirrors, you should purchase only from a reliable and trusted auto parts supplier. Auto Parts Inner is a leading auto part store offering excellent quality Toyota Parts such as Toyota A/C Condensers, Toyota Fuel Tank, Toyota Bumpers, Toyota Floor Mats, Toyota Catalytic Converters, Toyota Headlights, Toyota Radiators and other essential auto parts. With their low prices, fast and efficient service and the durability and superb quality of their Toyota auto parts, Auto Parts Inner is your ultimate online auto parts shop.
About the author:
Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto
related. He is currently employed as a market analyst by one of the top car parts company in the area. His automotive articles provide valuable source of information for auto enthusiasts like him as well as to those in need of automotive research.
18 Simple Ways To Save Money On Your Car
by: Jeff Slokum
Save your brakes by having your brake fluid changed every 30,000 miles.
There are other ways to save money on car expenses. Let’s look at the insurance payments.
Visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov to find cars that are fuel efficient.
Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.10 per gallon for gas.
In most cases, using cruise control on the highway will save gas.
Carfax.com shares info on inspecting a used car to make sure you get the best deal.
About the author:
This article provided courtesy of http://www.car-alarm-guide.net
The upkeep of your vehicle can be quite an expense - from initial purchase to insurance to maintenance. And sometimes we get the sinking feeling that every time we need a car repair, we’re going to get taken for a ride. (pardon the pun!) Actually there are some ways to make sure you don’t get a raw deal when dealing with a local body shop.
After you get recommendations for honest mechanics, call around to check out the prices for certain jobs. It’s always smart to get a second opinion.
How about some preventative medicine? Keep your gas tank filled. This will help you avoid the gas line freezing up in cold weather. Also, driving on “fumes” allows little pieces of dirt at the bottom of your gas tank to run through the fuel lines with the last drops of gas. This debris clogs up the fuel filter and can cause carburetor damage as well.
Sometimes a problem with your car’s electrical system results from a simple blown fuse. Check to see if you have any blown fuses before investing in a tow truck!
Keep track of how much oil your car uses. A sudden change in oil consumption means you need to see a technician.
Save your brakes by having your brake fluid changed every 30,000 miles.
Check your tire pressure once a month. This simple maintenance check can add up savings at the gas pump!
Stop and go traffic causes excess wear and tear on your vehicle. Go ahead and give your car a nice twenty minute ride at 55 mph on the highway every couple weeks if you “major” in short trips.
There are other ways to save money on car expenses. Let’s look at the insurance payments.
If you’ve budgeted for possible out-of-pocket expenses in case of a car accident, you might want to consider increasing your insurance deductible to $500. This will lower the cost of your insurance.
Talk to your insurance agent. If your car is as old as the hills, you might want to drop collision coverage to save money.
Car insurance companies offer a variety of discounts. Ask your agent if the company offers reductions for driver training courses, anti-lock brakes, car alarms, air bags, mature drivers, good students or maintaining a good driving record.
Before you purchase from a dealer, ask about the dealer's return policy, get it in writing and read it carefully. Dealers are not required by law to give used car buyers a three-day right to cancel.
Visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov to find cars that are fuel efficient.
Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.10 per gallon for gas.
In most cases, using cruise control on the highway will save gas.
Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. This isn’t going to cost you an arm or leg either.
Do your homework when buying a car from an auction. Many vehicles that have been damaged by floods and hurricanes are going on the market. These won’t last long – leaving you with a flood of bills. Be a little concerned if the carpet looks too new, and check carefully for signs of rust.
Carfax.com shares info on inspecting a used car to make sure you get the best deal.
If you use your car for business, keep track of miles traveled so that you can use this for a tax deduction. Get more info at irs.gov.
When you consider all the ways you can save money on your current vehicle, you might be persuaded to put away the extra each month for a new car down the road!
About the author:
This article provided courtesy of http://www.car-alarm-guide.net
5 Tips to Buying the Perfect Seat Cover
by: John Mancini
For a lot of people, buying a car is a large investment, one to be well cared for. Perhaps, the easiest, most reliable way to protect the value of your vehicle is to fit it with seat covers. This can be a minimal investment; however, price should not be the only consideration while shopping for covers. Before you pick out your new seat covers, consider these tips.
1- The most important thing to remember when shopping for seat covers is to know the exact make and model of your car. I know this sounds obvious, but without the exact specifications, you could end up with the perfect seat covers that are completely wrong for your car. You will need to know what type of seats you have, if it is a bench seat, is there a split? Pay attention to what type of headrest your seats are made with; are they bucket seats or captains' chairs? All of these differences will have an impact on what seat cover is the right one for your vehicle.
2- Now that you know the type of cover you are looking for, its time to think about price. Seat covers for your car are just like most other things in life quality will cost more. A high quality seat cover will be more expensive, but it will not shift around on the seat or wear out quickly. However, there is something to be said for buying a less expensive seat cover. If you are the type of person who likes to change their environment, then purchasing a cheaper cover that will be replaced rather quickly is probably a good idea for you.
3- Pay close attention to the type of material that the covers are made of. Ideally, you are looking for something that is machine washable, stain and water repellent, something that is tough and durable, these will be used everyday. There is a large variety of materials that are used for seat covers and they all have their own advantages. For example, sheepskin keeps a steady temperature in the cold and heat alike, making it ideal for most climates. While canvas, Cordoba and tweed are known for quality and durability.
4- It's best to look for and purchase seat covers from manufacturers that offer a lifetime warranty. Keeping the receipt is a vital part of being able to use the warranty if it is needed, keep it in the glove box with other important papers.
5- If, after shopping around, you still are unable to find just the right cover in just the right material and pattern, consider getting it custom made. Custom-made seat covers are available from many upholstery shops as well as from many online stores. Buying custom-made seat covers allows you to get a seat cover that not only fits your seat, but also your personality.
About the author:
John Mancini has been writing about car covers online and offline for a long time. Visit http://best-car-covers.comor http://customseatcovers.infoto read more about matters like seat covers and hawaiian seat covers.5 Tips to Buying BMW Auto Parts
by: Dan Ford
If you are looking for parts for your BMW M3, X5 or Z4, you want the best. Whether you are needing to replace the brakes, hoses, lights or even the tell tale emblem you need to know where to look for factory direct parts at affordable prices.
1- The best place to find any type of part for your BMW is, of course through a BMW dealer. They will either have the parts needed in stock or be able to order them for you with short delivery times. They will be more expensive than other outlets, but you will know that the parts they are selling you are genuine BMW auto parts, not something that is generic.
2- If you choose to purchase your BMW parts via a dealership, be sure to take advantage of the knowledge they can provide. The mechanics at a dealership can be the best people to ask basic questions of. They will be able to give you insight as to what your vehicle actually needs and may even tell you how to go about replacing it.
3- If paying dealership prices is not what you had in mind, the next best place to look for BMW parts is online. There is a vast array of online stores, which specialize in genuine, generic, new and used parts for your BMW. The prices are usually less than purchasing through a dealer, however, keep in mind that these stores may lack in knowledgeable sales staff.
4- While you are surfing the web for the best prices on the parts you need, whether they be side mirrors or tail light covers, you might also be wise to look up the "how-to guides" that tell you how to install them. There is a lot of information on the web in regards to BMW and BMW auto parts, their uses and their replacement.
5- As long as you are looking for parts for your BMW, you may want to check out the selection of accessories that are also available. These include items such as shift knob replacements and custom door handle parts, to name a few. The best way to begin a search for accessories is online or through catalogues.
About the author:
Dan Ford has been writing about bmw parts online and offline for a long time. Visit http://bmw-parts-finder.infoor http://bmw-performance-parts.comto read more about matters like bmw performance parts and bmw engine parts.
If you are looking for parts for your BMW M3, X5 or Z4, you want the best. Whether you are needing to replace the brakes, hoses, lights or even the tell tale emblem you need to know where to look for factory direct parts at affordable prices.
1- The best place to find any type of part for your BMW is, of course through a BMW dealer. They will either have the parts needed in stock or be able to order them for you with short delivery times. They will be more expensive than other outlets, but you will know that the parts they are selling you are genuine BMW auto parts, not something that is generic.
2- If you choose to purchase your BMW parts via a dealership, be sure to take advantage of the knowledge they can provide. The mechanics at a dealership can be the best people to ask basic questions of. They will be able to give you insight as to what your vehicle actually needs and may even tell you how to go about replacing it.
3- If paying dealership prices is not what you had in mind, the next best place to look for BMW parts is online. There is a vast array of online stores, which specialize in genuine, generic, new and used parts for your BMW. The prices are usually less than purchasing through a dealer, however, keep in mind that these stores may lack in knowledgeable sales staff.
4- While you are surfing the web for the best prices on the parts you need, whether they be side mirrors or tail light covers, you might also be wise to look up the "how-to guides" that tell you how to install them. There is a lot of information on the web in regards to BMW and BMW auto parts, their uses and their replacement.
5- As long as you are looking for parts for your BMW, you may want to check out the selection of accessories that are also available. These include items such as shift knob replacements and custom door handle parts, to name a few. The best way to begin a search for accessories is online or through catalogues.
About the author:
Dan Ford has been writing about bmw parts online and offline for a long time. Visit http://bmw-parts-finder.infoor http://bmw-performance-parts.comto read more about matters like bmw performance parts and bmw engine parts.
5 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Car Cover
by: John Mancini
About the author:
John Mancini has been writing about car covers online and offline for a long time. Visit http://cheap-car-covers.infoor http://www.cheap-car-covers.comto read more about matters like truck bed covers and truck covers.
If you own a collector car, the purchase of a quality car cover can be an important investment. Before making this purchase, there should be ample consideration given to the quality of the car cover itself. Follow these tips while searching for the perfect cover for your perfect car.
1- While looking for a car cover for your vehicle, keep in mind that quality is a factor in this purchase. The better the quality, the better the cover will protect your investment. Look for a cover that is made specifically for your type of car. Many car cover manufacturers offer a variety of pre-made covers for most types of cars. The cover does not need to be custom made for your vehicle, just made for your specific kind of car.
2- If purchase price is not an issue, then it be might be wise to consider a custom-made car cover. This will ensure that the cover doesn't blow away in a strong wind, will have elastic in all the right spots, can have extra layers of protection built in. The custom cover can even be made in a color to match your car or with some custom embroidery that is just for you.
3- The material that the cover is made from is important also. It needs to be breathable, if the cover holds in moisture it will have dire consequences on your paint. The cover is not supposed to be waterproof, it should, however, dry out quickly after a rain, so that the rain spots are minimal on the paint finish.
4- A cover that has several layers of padding is best for the protection of your vehicle. These added layers will protect your car against such tragedies as limbs falling from trees, the neighbors' cats, stray baseballs and the like.
5- Before you place the perfect cover that you have found on your car, make sure it is clean. A dirty car will be scratched and scuffed no matter what quality cover you put on it. However, having a clean car to start with will help to ensure a well-protected car through the long months in storage.
About the author:
John Mancini has been writing about car covers online and offline for a long time. Visit http://cheap-car-covers.infoor http://www.cheap-car-covers.comto read more about matters like truck bed covers and truck covers.
5 Things to Look for when Buying a Truck Cover
by: John Mancini
Specialty trucks can be a large investment and may not be used very often; for these reasons, they should be protected from the elements when not in use. The purchase and use of a high quality truck cover should be considered to shield them from dirt and dust, animals and even people.
1- One of the first things to consider before actually purchasing a truck cover is quality. This is a case where it is wise to buy the best that you can afford, do not cheap out on a truck cover. A high quality cover will protect your truck from UV rays, rain, dust even falling objects and animals.
2- Look for a cover that is made of a breathable material. The cover should be lightweight and although not waterproof, it needs to dry out quickly after getting wet. If the cover is not breathable and holds in moisture, it can be detrimental to the paint job and increase the chance of creating rust.
3- Padding is very important when searching for the perfect truck cover. More is better here. The more padding that a cover has, the more protection it can offer your truck from all sorts of falling objects, from golf ball sized hail to golf balls whacked by the neighborhood kids. Padding is too important to overlook, be sure that the cover you choose has several layers for adequate protection at all times.
4- If you can afford it, get a custom cover for your truck. A custom cover is made to your trucks specific size and shape, while a generic cover will more than likely do the job, a custom cover will stay in place and not shift because of strong winds and time. Another advantage of getting a custom cover made is that it can have the extra padding added, be made in a color or pattern that you prefer it can even be customized with a name or picture.
5- The most important thing to remember when getting a cover for your truck really has nothing at all to do with the cover. The most important tip is to make absolutely sure that the truck is clean. It needs to be as free of dirt and dust as possible when the cover is put on, this will help to avoid scratches and scuffs in the paint.
About the author:
John Mancini has been writing about car covers online and offline for a long time. Visit http://best-car-covers.comor http://best-car-covers.infoto read more about matters like car seat covers and truck covers.
1- One of the first things to consider before actually purchasing a truck cover is quality. This is a case where it is wise to buy the best that you can afford, do not cheap out on a truck cover. A high quality cover will protect your truck from UV rays, rain, dust even falling objects and animals.
2- Look for a cover that is made of a breathable material. The cover should be lightweight and although not waterproof, it needs to dry out quickly after getting wet. If the cover is not breathable and holds in moisture, it can be detrimental to the paint job and increase the chance of creating rust.
3- Padding is very important when searching for the perfect truck cover. More is better here. The more padding that a cover has, the more protection it can offer your truck from all sorts of falling objects, from golf ball sized hail to golf balls whacked by the neighborhood kids. Padding is too important to overlook, be sure that the cover you choose has several layers for adequate protection at all times.
4- If you can afford it, get a custom cover for your truck. A custom cover is made to your trucks specific size and shape, while a generic cover will more than likely do the job, a custom cover will stay in place and not shift because of strong winds and time. Another advantage of getting a custom cover made is that it can have the extra padding added, be made in a color or pattern that you prefer it can even be customized with a name or picture.
5- The most important thing to remember when getting a cover for your truck really has nothing at all to do with the cover. The most important tip is to make absolutely sure that the truck is clean. It needs to be as free of dirt and dust as possible when the cover is put on, this will help to avoid scratches and scuffs in the paint.
About the author:
John Mancini has been writing about car covers online and offline for a long time. Visit http://best-car-covers.comor http://best-car-covers.infoto read more about matters like car seat covers and truck covers.
5 Steps To Buying Your Car
by: Jack Hill
About the author:
Most people do not enjoy buying a car. A survey conducted by CNN revealed that 75% of people would rather visit a dentist than face visiting a car dealership. It's not that people don't want a car - it's just that there are so many pitfalls to negotiate and not everyone can be sure of the right steps to take. Here are a few points to keep in mind to make the process easier.
1. Ask questions, lots of questions. Try to ask sensible questions that will enable you to base your decisions on solid ground. But don't be afraid to just ask and only stop when all your concerns have been properly addressed.
2. Do not let emotion drive you. Pretty cars with all the bells and whistles can blind you to the truth. More often than not you will end up paying more than you need to if you buy with emotion. Be impartial and see the car for what it is and not what you may have fallen in love with.
3. Know exactly what you want before you put a single foot inside the dealership door. An open mind can be easily manipulated, and usually not in your favor. Use brochures, etc, beforehand to determine exactly what you want within your budget, and don't be swayed by smooth talk.
4. Talk to the dealer about the price and not the payments. Dealers who keep referring to the "easy" payments could be avoiding the issue of overall price, and you need to know why. Do your homework and you will know exactly what price fits into a payment plan to fit your budget. But if you focus on payment, you may end up paying more than you bargained for.
5. Know when the time has come to make a decision. That decision could be to walk away, or it could be to close the deal. You should constantly monitor how you feel about the offer being made to you. If it all feels right, then stay with it and see it through. But if you get even just a tiny twinge of something not quite right, be prepared to walk away.
Buying a car is not always easy. It's not something most of us do very often and we all want to make the best use of our money. But with sensible and careful planning, and an awareness of the five points above, you can buy the exact right car for you at the exact right price for you. Happy motoring!
About the author:
Jack Hill is an automotive journalist with a passion for cars of every type and size, which he adequately illustrates at his website: http://www.actcars.comHis main delight is driving his sports car through quiet country lanes, but he feels equally at home driving his wife and three boisterous young sons around in the family saloon.
5 Automotive Tools Every Auto Owner Needs
by: Mike Scurria
Automobiles are sizeable investments. As a car becomes older, its maintenance becomes increasingly important. There are many tools that every auto owner should have. Auto shops can sometimes charge exurbanite amounts for a simple fix that could have been done at home for much cheaper. Having the proper tools and knowledge will allow any auto owner to save money, learn more about their automobile, and maintain their car.
1. Every auto owner should have a jack and jack stands. When working on a car, more often than not, the car must be elevated. Simple procedures like rotating tires can be done at home with the help of a Jack. Additionally, all car owners should have a jack in their car with them wherever they go. In the unfortunate event of a flat tire, having a jack and a spare tire can lead to a simple tire replacement. In a garage, having a powerful jack and strong jack stands makes it possible for an auto owner to reach every point underneath the car and thus solve problems more efficiently.
2. One of the most important car maintenance practices is the oil change. To maintain an automobile, the oil should be changed once every 3,000 miles. Quintessential to a successful oil change is having an Oil Wrench that takes the oil filter off and allows the oil to be changed expediently. Without an oil wrench, an auto owner may be forced to take their car to an auto shop and overpay for a simple oil change.
3. Often when dealing with parts of the engine, or the hard-to-reach spots under the hood, proper tools are required. A 3/8-inch Socket Set can allow an automobile owner to loosen and subsequently tighten a wide variety of bolts. Different extensions allow the auto owner to obtain the best angles for torque and therefore make auto jobs quite a bit easier.
4. When changing oil, having a funnel, some rags, and a bucket is very helpful. Once again, the oil change is one of the most important maintenances for a car, and it can be done easily by anyone. However, many people do not have the proper tools or knowledge for a successful oil change. Having a funnel can also be useful when refilling any other fluids in one’s car. The funnel serves to make sure that fluids do not get over filled, which can lead to significant problems.
5. Finally, every auto owner should have a pair of solid vice grips. Some times a part will just not come loose. Other times, a car part may not seem to be tight enough despite one’s best efforts. Vice grips can hold a wide variety of car parts and allow the user to obtain more leverage for either tightening or loosening a part. When encountering a part that will simply not come loose, many auto owners will give up and take their car to a shop. Having vice grips can help one to avoid this problem.
Unfortunately, there is no car in existence that doesn’t require constant maintenance. However, with the right tools, anyone can fix minor problems and maintain his or her automobile without the assistance of an auto mechanic. The right tools can lead to a longer last vehicle, and large cost savings.
About the author:
Mike Scurria is very interested in automobiles. Learn more at http://www.sjdiscounttools.com.
Automobiles are sizeable investments. As a car becomes older, its maintenance becomes increasingly important. There are many tools that every auto owner should have. Auto shops can sometimes charge exurbanite amounts for a simple fix that could have been done at home for much cheaper. Having the proper tools and knowledge will allow any auto owner to save money, learn more about their automobile, and maintain their car.
1. Every auto owner should have a jack and jack stands. When working on a car, more often than not, the car must be elevated. Simple procedures like rotating tires can be done at home with the help of a Jack. Additionally, all car owners should have a jack in their car with them wherever they go. In the unfortunate event of a flat tire, having a jack and a spare tire can lead to a simple tire replacement. In a garage, having a powerful jack and strong jack stands makes it possible for an auto owner to reach every point underneath the car and thus solve problems more efficiently.
2. One of the most important car maintenance practices is the oil change. To maintain an automobile, the oil should be changed once every 3,000 miles. Quintessential to a successful oil change is having an Oil Wrench that takes the oil filter off and allows the oil to be changed expediently. Without an oil wrench, an auto owner may be forced to take their car to an auto shop and overpay for a simple oil change.
3. Often when dealing with parts of the engine, or the hard-to-reach spots under the hood, proper tools are required. A 3/8-inch Socket Set can allow an automobile owner to loosen and subsequently tighten a wide variety of bolts. Different extensions allow the auto owner to obtain the best angles for torque and therefore make auto jobs quite a bit easier.
4. When changing oil, having a funnel, some rags, and a bucket is very helpful. Once again, the oil change is one of the most important maintenances for a car, and it can be done easily by anyone. However, many people do not have the proper tools or knowledge for a successful oil change. Having a funnel can also be useful when refilling any other fluids in one’s car. The funnel serves to make sure that fluids do not get over filled, which can lead to significant problems.
5. Finally, every auto owner should have a pair of solid vice grips. Some times a part will just not come loose. Other times, a car part may not seem to be tight enough despite one’s best efforts. Vice grips can hold a wide variety of car parts and allow the user to obtain more leverage for either tightening or loosening a part. When encountering a part that will simply not come loose, many auto owners will give up and take their car to a shop. Having vice grips can help one to avoid this problem.
Unfortunately, there is no car in existence that doesn’t require constant maintenance. However, with the right tools, anyone can fix minor problems and maintain his or her automobile without the assistance of an auto mechanic. The right tools can lead to a longer last vehicle, and large cost savings.
About the author:
Mike Scurria is very interested in automobiles. Learn more at http://www.sjdiscounttools.com.
4 Tips To Saving A Bundle At Your Next Car Auction
by: Chris Fox
Many of us have been at the car dealership and have been drained by a salesperson during price negotiations for the purchase of a new car. Most people give in too easily or do not negotiate at all to avoid the dreadful act. This only means more money in the car dealers’ pocket, while you are out of several thousand dollars! Yes, they make that much in profit per car.
This article unveils the dealer’s selling tactics and how you can get around them. But before we dive into the new car buying tips, we need to understand what makes up the dealer’s profits.
In addition to the MSRP (manufacturer suggested retail price), which is the dealer’s cost for the car plus an additional 20-25% profit, a dealer also gets financial incentives from the manufacturer when a new car is sold. This is called Holdback.
Depending on the car, dealers can make hundreds on each car through holdbacks. Dealers also get additional incentives and bonuses on selling a car before the end of the month and/or quarter.
A shrewd dealer can make several thousand on a new car even by selling it at invoice price. This is how new car buying can become tricky for the consumer.
Ready to learn how not to put a dent in your wallet on your next car purchase? Here are four tips to get you started. Each one is a dealer tactic to watch out for.
1. The Guilt Trip
As you may have noticed, every desk in a dealership has photos of the salesperson’s family, instead of photos of cars. Midway in the negotiation, the sales person will bring them up and make it look like his little commission check can hardly pay for his daughters college and little Bradley’s braces.
A seasoned salesperson will soon have you feeling guilty for driving the price down and hurting his commission. Watch out not to fall for this tactic, since you already know about holdbacks and incentive programs from manufacturers.
2. Wearing You Down
Come prepared to spend half a day at the dealership or pay whatever the dealer asks for. Car Dealers are trained to delay and tire you out to the point where you give in and accept their price just to get out of there.
After you make your offer, sales people typically claim they would have to run it by their manager. You may then have to re-start negotiating with the manager, who is also a seasoned salesperson. This dance goes on for a while until you give in.
Remember, there are multiple dealerships in a city, so they need you more than you need them. Demand to speak to the manager after a certain time period or threaten to leave.
Because you are devoting a lot of time to bargain with the dealer, they know you are a serious buyer, so they will not let you leave. The earlier you can speak with the manager, the faster you can leave.
3. The Test Drive
We all enjoy a good test drive and look forward to it. Although it is essential to test drive a car before you buy it, remember to not show your absolute love for the car to the salesperson. Their goal is to get you emotionally attached to the car, so it becomes a must have for you. I have learned it the hard way.
To hide your emotional tears from the salesperson, mention the features of a competing car in the same class, like the new shape, light, leg room, resale value etc. This will make the salesperson a little vulnerable.
4. Monthly Payments
This one is to confuse you. Dealers will start talking about monthly payments rather than the total price of the car. They will start by asking how much you are willing to pay per month and how much of a down payment you are willing to pay. Since people don’t want to look like they cannot afford a certain car, they will usually give a higher number. Big Mistake!
You have left little room for negotiation when this happens. Always steer the conversation to the total price of the car and do NOT mention any trade-ins at this point. Only after the total price of the vehicle is completely negotiated then talk about interest, monthly payment and trade-ins.
General Rule;
As a general rule, remember to only focus and negotiate on the Total Price of the vehicle. Everything else is pretty much the car dealer’s trough.
If the above new car buying tips seem like a lot of hassle, yet you still want to get the best price in town, there are some websites that do this for you. www.autoauctionbids.com for example is a great website for this because you can collect price quotes from multiple local dealers for a particular car as well as its competing car models (like Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Ford Taurus) and compare them.
The website then allows you to send back the lowest quotes received for each car make to all participating dealers in your area through the website itself.
Dealers view this price and continue to submit new lower prices over a 3 day period. By putting local car dealers in such a price competition allows you to avoid the dreadful face to face negotiation and yet gets you the lowest price in town for up to 3 competing car makes.
The best part about AutoAuctionBids.com is that it is absolutely free for you and there is no obligation to buy after the new car auction is over.
Many of us have been at the car dealership and have been drained by a salesperson during price negotiations for the purchase of a new car. Most people give in too easily or do not negotiate at all to avoid the dreadful act. This only means more money in the car dealers’ pocket, while you are out of several thousand dollars! Yes, they make that much in profit per car.
This article unveils the dealer’s selling tactics and how you can get around them. But before we dive into the new car buying tips, we need to understand what makes up the dealer’s profits.
In addition to the MSRP (manufacturer suggested retail price), which is the dealer’s cost for the car plus an additional 20-25% profit, a dealer also gets financial incentives from the manufacturer when a new car is sold. This is called Holdback.
Depending on the car, dealers can make hundreds on each car through holdbacks. Dealers also get additional incentives and bonuses on selling a car before the end of the month and/or quarter.
A shrewd dealer can make several thousand on a new car even by selling it at invoice price. This is how new car buying can become tricky for the consumer.
Ready to learn how not to put a dent in your wallet on your next car purchase? Here are four tips to get you started. Each one is a dealer tactic to watch out for.
1. The Guilt Trip
As you may have noticed, every desk in a dealership has photos of the salesperson’s family, instead of photos of cars. Midway in the negotiation, the sales person will bring them up and make it look like his little commission check can hardly pay for his daughters college and little Bradley’s braces.
A seasoned salesperson will soon have you feeling guilty for driving the price down and hurting his commission. Watch out not to fall for this tactic, since you already know about holdbacks and incentive programs from manufacturers.
2. Wearing You Down
Come prepared to spend half a day at the dealership or pay whatever the dealer asks for. Car Dealers are trained to delay and tire you out to the point where you give in and accept their price just to get out of there.
After you make your offer, sales people typically claim they would have to run it by their manager. You may then have to re-start negotiating with the manager, who is also a seasoned salesperson. This dance goes on for a while until you give in.
Remember, there are multiple dealerships in a city, so they need you more than you need them. Demand to speak to the manager after a certain time period or threaten to leave.
Because you are devoting a lot of time to bargain with the dealer, they know you are a serious buyer, so they will not let you leave. The earlier you can speak with the manager, the faster you can leave.
3. The Test Drive
We all enjoy a good test drive and look forward to it. Although it is essential to test drive a car before you buy it, remember to not show your absolute love for the car to the salesperson. Their goal is to get you emotionally attached to the car, so it becomes a must have for you. I have learned it the hard way.
To hide your emotional tears from the salesperson, mention the features of a competing car in the same class, like the new shape, light, leg room, resale value etc. This will make the salesperson a little vulnerable.
4. Monthly Payments
This one is to confuse you. Dealers will start talking about monthly payments rather than the total price of the car. They will start by asking how much you are willing to pay per month and how much of a down payment you are willing to pay. Since people don’t want to look like they cannot afford a certain car, they will usually give a higher number. Big Mistake!
You have left little room for negotiation when this happens. Always steer the conversation to the total price of the car and do NOT mention any trade-ins at this point. Only after the total price of the vehicle is completely negotiated then talk about interest, monthly payment and trade-ins.
General Rule;
As a general rule, remember to only focus and negotiate on the Total Price of the vehicle. Everything else is pretty much the car dealer’s trough.
If the above new car buying tips seem like a lot of hassle, yet you still want to get the best price in town, there are some websites that do this for you. www.autoauctionbids.com for example is a great website for this because you can collect price quotes from multiple local dealers for a particular car as well as its competing car models (like Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Ford Taurus) and compare them.
The website then allows you to send back the lowest quotes received for each car make to all participating dealers in your area through the website itself.
Dealers view this price and continue to submit new lower prices over a 3 day period. By putting local car dealers in such a price competition allows you to avoid the dreadful face to face negotiation and yet gets you the lowest price in town for up to 3 competing car makes.
The best part about AutoAuctionBids.com is that it is absolutely free for you and there is no obligation to buy after the new car auction is over.
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