Posts Tagged ‘Car Tips’

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Tips for selling you car

Saturday, November 21st, 2009

If you are looking to sell your car then here are a few tips to ensure buyers are aware that it is for sale and that you get the best price for it. It can be tough to get your car seen through the large number of other cars for sale from private sellers but by following these simple tips, you could end up much better off.

Selling online can be very effective as many people use the internet as a place to research and buy cars. If you choose to sell your car online then you’ll want to make sure you have some good quality pictures. Taking a picture from the front of the car and one from the side are typical pictures that give an idea of the condition and appearance of the car but consider taking pictures of the interior as well as close ups of any special features or accessories which the car has.

Ensure the car is well cleaned and presented. Spending a few pounds on a trip to the car wash should be the minimum effort you go to but cleaning the car thoroughly yourself with good car cleaning products should ensure it’s done to the best standard and will help your car to look shiny and well maintained, making it more attractive to any possible buyers. It is advisable to give your car a thorough cleaning inside and out as appearance will be the first thing that draws a buyer to your car.

Give a short and sharp description of your car but remember to sell the benefits, as you want something that will catch the attention of a buyer. Keywords such as “great”, “superb” and “perfect condition” can be used if applicable. In your description you should be honest as the buyer will not go ahead with the purchase if they see the car and it does not match the description. This is just a waste of yours and their time and it may mean they end up pushing to knock money off your asking price.

If the car has any modifications, then these should be included in the description. This could include alloy wheels or a sound system that may have been added. Also list any replacements you have made to the basic specification such as tyres or batteries as this may incentivise the buyer or make your advert stand out besides the rest. A car with a full service history is highly attractive to buyers so if you have one, remember to say so.

When pricing your car, do some research into the prices of other similar cars on the market. You do not want to make your car more expensive than the other cars of the same specification but at the same time you do not want to under price the car. Have your maintenance records ready as many buyers will want to see them before purchasing any car.

Finally, if there are any minor problems with your car then consider having them repaired. Small problems such as chips in the paint are worth repairing before you put the car up for sale as it helps make the car more appealing to potential buyers and it may mean you make more on the sale.

Selling your car maybe relatively stress free but buying a car may require some sort of car finance. Car credit are a viable option for many people and searching online can help you find the best deals around.

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Keep your windscreen clean to avoid accidents

Saturday, November 21st, 2009

When driving along you may occasionally get dirt flicked up off other passing vehicles or a bug splattered on your windscreen, this can be annoying but it is also fairly dangerous. You need a clear view to see what is happening on the road including any potential hazards. This is the reason why cars are fitted with washer jets and windscreen wipers, allowing drivers to clear away the rain and sleet as well as any other unwanted obstructions.

It’s important to always make sure your washer fluid is topped up, running out whilst driving can be hazardous. You can buy solution that is either ready to pour in on its own or in concentrate, which you can add different levels of water to, depending on the season. You shouldn’t use just water on its own as this can freeze easily in the winter which can damage the motor and pipes. Also water doesn’t help much when trying to clean the windscreen of any stubborn dirt.

The washer jets over time can get dirty or become blocked; this can lead to the water not coming out or becoming misdirected. You can clear the jets using a pin to pick away any build up, if the jets are not pointing the right direction and are either too high or point to the side, then you can use the pin to redirect the washers and give them a test spray to check you’ve repositioned them correctly.

Windscreen wipers can over time lose their effectiveness, becoming worn and leaving streaks or warping and loosing contact with the window, missing patches altogether. Check in a motoring store what size of wiper blades you need – you can usually buy front wipers in pairs and the rear ones separately. Be careful when removing the old blades as they tend to have a clip mechanism that could break if too much force is applied. Make sure that when you clean your car you give the wiper blades a wipe clean too, to clear any dirt which could scratch the glass.

Sometimes a stone or other object may strike the windscreen of your car and create a small chip or crack; you should get chips and cracks fixed as quickly as possible. Small chips and cracks not only distort your vision but can easily develop into serious cracks or shattered windscreens. There are plenty of windshield repair firms that can fill in a chip, making it practically invisible. Check with your insurer too as sometimes this kind of process may be covered and cost you nothing.

If you’re finding it hard to get approved for car finance for a quality used car, then try searching for a bad credit car finance company which may be able to help you in your situation.

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Car Data Checks on Used Cars

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

Many people look to used cars in order to save some money on their next purchase. When looking for a used car you obviously want to find one that is in good condition, drives well and one that you feel comfortable in. What many used car buyers don’t often do is carry out a data check first.

These data checks search the history of the car. They can indicate any finance that the previous owners have taken out on the car, whether the car has been involved in an accident or written-off in the past and whether the car is at risk of theft or fraud. Other details that a data check will tell you are the number of previous owners, registration details and the vehicle identification number.

Data checks are very important when buying a used car as some sellers may not be completely honest when trying to sell you their car or they may just not know about it if the car has had more than one previous owner. Some statistics from the AA’s website show how important car checks are; around 1 in 3 cars have some form of hidden history with a quarter of cars having some sort of finance agreement against them.

If a car was found to have existing finance secured against it in the name of a previous owner, you may become liable for the debt as the new owner. This means that a deal that you thought was easily within your budget, suddenly becomes over your budget. If you found you couldn’t manage the car’s repayments, this could have a negative effect on your credit history or the loss of the vehicle.

Around 160,000 cars are stolen and 600,000 cars written-off each year, so you can see how easy it would be to buy a used car that has a bad history. Another trick some dodgy used car sellers try is to adjust the mileage on the car so it appears to have done fewer miles. As many as 1 in 14 cars have mileage discrepancies and a simple data check would highlight any discrepancies.

There is no doubt that the popularity of used car finance is increasing as people look for a more affordable ways to upgrade their cars. As long as you carry out a data check on the car before you buy then you should be ok. Always check for any dents and scratches that the previous owner may have tried to cover up as you can use this when you negotiate on the price.

If you are looking for a quality used car then speak to a reputable car dealer about the range of car finance available, Most established car dealers will carry out vehicle checks as standard, saving you the trouble.

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Adequate Rest when Driving Abroad

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Many people will be looking for some sun this winter as they are unlikely to find any in the UK. Winter breaks abroad are very common and if you choose to take one, and are planning to drive, make sure you pay extra care on the roads. Even for very experienced drivers, driving abroad can be stressful as you are in an unfamiliar place with different road signs, traffic systems and of often driving on the opposite side of the road.

The combination of all of these factors can make driving abroad stressful and very tiring. It is in the interest of you and your passengers to take a break at regular intervals to stay refreshed and alert. Travelling abroad usually means you driving off the motorways as this is often where you can take in the great views and scenery that your destination has to offer. This is the perfect reason to stop driving and make the most of it.

According to many experts you should be looking to take a break for 15 minutes every 2 hours but it is worth taking more if you have the time to. The best way of making sure you have enough breaks in between driving is to plan your route, maybe there is a certain attraction or landmark worth visiting. If this is the case, note it down on a map and use this as an opportunity to take a break. If you can do this for all the sights you want to see then you should be having long enough breaks to ensure you are concentrating fully when you are driving.

Although 15 minutes every two hours is recommended it is important to take a break if you are feeling tired, feel that you are losing concentration or feel uncomfortable driving. Do not carry on if you are feeling tired as this is when accidents can occur and you don’t want to be involved in an accident, especially on your holidays.

In Europe there are lay-bys, resting areas and service stations where you can have a rest and refuel. The service stations are similar to the ones we have in the UK where there are refreshments, food and entertainment available, so make use of them and recharge your batteries ready for the next leg of the journey. Road signs will point you in the direction of these resting areas so keep your eyes peeled for them. Take care on the roads abroad and in the UK and make sure you are fully concentrated when behind the wheel.

If you are having problems buying used cars then consider used car finance, search the internet for specialist car dealers which supply the car and arrange the finance, there are some very good deals around on car credit.

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Keep the Danger Away From Your Car’s Engine

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

The 4-stroke combustion process (intake, compression, power, and exhaust) normally occurs smoothly. The pistons, spark plugs, fuel injectors, and other components work like a well-oiled machine. Pressure builds within the combustion chamber until the air-fuel mixture contained within it is ignited by the spark plug. That’s what propels your vehicle forward. When you hear a knocking sound as you accelerate, especially during heavy load, that means there is something wrong with your engine. This is called spark knock. And it can lead to expensive damage.

In this article, I’ll explain what is happening inside your engine to produce the knocking or pinging sound. I’ll also provide a few hints regarding what might be the root cause of the problem.

The Truth About Spark Knock?

The knocking sound is due to the fuel within your vehicle’s combustion chamber detonating. Rather than burning cleanly, it explodes under load, over and over. This happens when the heat and pressure contained in the chamber is erratic. It is not being controlled properly, and the excess heat and pressure is igniting the gas.

You might not immediately notice a change in the performance or output of your car engine. However, over a period of time, the spark knock can cause problems such as cracked rod bearings, broken rings, and head gasket problems. Each of these problems can be expensive to repair.

Reasons Knocking Can Happen

So, why does detonation happen? It can occur when your car’s exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system malfunctions. The EGR valve is tasked with opening when you’re pushing your engine under heavy load (for example, if you’re towing something up a hill). By opening, it allows excess exhaust to flow out of the combustion chamber, lowering the temperature. If the EGR fails, this process cannot happen.

Detonation can also happen if your car’s knock sensor malfunctions. This sensor is supposed to identify situations in which the fuel is igniting erratically. It then tells your car’s computer to change the ignition timing in order to compensate. A failed sensor prevents this from occurring.

With older vehicles, the detonation can be a result of carbon buildup. This will occur when their is a build up of carbon inside the pistons combustion chamber. This issue is easy to resolve by having a mechanic flushing the injectors and combustion chamber to clear all carbon build up and deposits.

Low-octane gas is another common cause of detonation. Some gas station owners label their pumps with “87″ when the octane is actually lower. Try filling your tank with a premium grade fuel from a respected brand (for example, Chevron).

If you hear knocking when your engine is under heavy load, take your vehicle to an experienced mechanic as soon as possible. He’ll have the necessary equipment to test your engine and identify the root cause of the fuel detonation. If you ignore the problem, you could be setting yourself up for expensive repairs in the future.

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Tips on OEM Car Parts

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

Your car’s alternator won’t last forever. Neither will your catalytic converter. Actually, your fuel injectors, ignition switch, and muffler can fail as well. Every auto part under your vehicle’s hood can unexpectedly expire and need to be replaced.

If you take your car to the dealership, they’ll use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. On the other hand, the mechanic at your local repair garage is likely to use aftermarket alternatives. Which is better?

Claiming one choice is always better than the other is overly-simplistic; it ignores subtle pros and cons of each. Here we will compare the advantages of OEM parts versus purchasing their aftermarket equivalents.

The Advantages Of Aftermarket

Aftermarket components and systems are less expensive than their OEM counterparts. The percentage you will save might vary depending on the item your car needs. Be cautious. A lot of aftermarket units seem low-priced, but hide defects that can leave you stranded at the side of the road.

Another advantage is that the quality can be just as high as Original Equipment Manufacturer systems. The reason is because the automaker is often forced to offset the performance of the component with other factors. For example, consider anti-lock braking systems. The manufacturer has to make sure the pads don’t squeal; otherwise, customers will complain. The problem is, ensuring the brake pads are silent requires accepting a mild loss in performance (to that end, high-performance brakes are often noisy).

Yet another advantage of buying after-market components is that they’re widely available. Mechanics can easily obtain any replacement part your vehicle needs. In fact, they’ll often have them in stock.

The Advantages Of OEM

OEM parts also offer significant advantages. First, you’ll always know what to expect from them. They are nearly identical to the systems that were installed within your vehicle at the time it rolled off the factory floor.

Second, you won’t need to examine a given component in order to spot defects. Original Equipment Manufacturer parts are designed to be seamless replacements and possess a consistent level of quality. That means there is no reason to be concerned with compatibility and performance issues.

Third, they are usually supported by a one-year warranty. For example, if you have your alternator replaced and it malfunctions within the first year, the automaker will replace it with another OEM alternator without cost. The experience might not be the same if the alternator were an aftermarket unit.

Which is the Better Choice?

There are a few reliable rules of thumb to follow. First, if you’re replacing anything on your car’s frame (for example, a body panel), you should opt for Original Equipment Manufacturer replacements. Second, if you’re leasing your vehicle, you should also choose OEM parts. Otherwise, you’re likely to lose your deposit when you return the car. Third, for something like an alternator or a fuel pump (a key component), OEM is always the better choice.

On the other hand, if you’re willing to take a risk (and the risk can be substantial) in order to save a few dollars, aftermarket parts may be a good investment.

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When So I Replace my Car Air Filter?

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

Recommendations regarding when to change your vehicle’s air filter fall into a surprisingly wide range. Some experts claim that doing so every 3,000 miles helps to ensure that your vehicle’s engine is performing as efficiently as possible. Others claim that swapping it out every 30,000 miles is sufficient. Actually, neither of these are truly 100% correct. It depends on a lot more than mere mileage. What’s more, this is one area in which it might behoove you to ignore your owner’s manual (I’ll explain why in a moment).

It’s worth reviewing the air filter’s job: it catches dirt and debris before foreign elements can gain access to your engine. This is an important factor. When foreign particles enter the engine, they can accumulate and cause expensive damage. By filtering them, your engine can remain free of debris and perform more effectively.

In this article, I’ll explain why your driving circumstances will influence the frequency with which you change your air filter. I’ll also describe its value in the context of fuel injection systems.

Consider Your Driving Situation

People drive in different circumstances. For example, you might drive in an area that is not exposed to a large amount of dust. If that’s the case, you might be able to drive 20,000 miles without needing to replace your car’s air filter. On the other hand, suppose you live in a city that undergoes perpetual construction. Dust and dirt are an ever-present part of the immediate environment. In that case, you may be able to drive 10,000 miles before needing a replacement part.

The more dust and debris that is in the air or kicked up on the road, the more frequently you’ll need to buy a replacement. This is the reason why you should only use your owner’s manual as a guide. The automaker has no way to know whether you’re driving your car in extremely dusty conditions or not.

The Technology of Fuel Injection Systems

Newer vehicles are not equipped with carburetors; fuel injection systems have taken their place. The advantage of fuel injection is that it offers a more precise blend of air and fuel for combustion. That allows your car engine to perform with greater fuel efficiency. The problem is that a clogged filter can play havoc with the system. Your car’s computer system will attempt to regulate and recalibrate the mixture based on airflow, but the ratio is never truly precise. As a result, fuel efficiency plummets and your engine’s performance is hampered.

Invest A Few Extra Dollars

When it’s time to buy a new air filter, spend a few extra dollars and invest in quality. A high-quality replacement will generally cost less than $20, yet its overall impact can be enormous. It will protect your engine from dirt and other foreign particles, which prevents damage and improves performance. It will also affect your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

You should also check for clogging in your air filter every time you have the oil changed. You may not need to swap it out, but at such a low cost, it’s far better to err on the conservative side.

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Learn How To Reduce Your Monthly Car Costs

Saturday, July 4th, 2009

According to some people, the right understanding of chemistry and its effects on gas and fuel could assist you greatly in stretching your buck. The reason is because mavens in chemistry explain that gas basically becomes denser in cooler temperatures. Now, gas pumps measure the volume of the fuel and not the density, you would be getting a better and larger quantity of gas for your money if you purchase this commodity during cold weather. That is the very reason why people offer a chunk of advice when purchasing gas : buy in the early morning or at night. This is when the temperature is cooler compared to the temperature during 12 p.m. Time.

However, this is only a small part of keeping your costs when it comes to driving lower. Automobile gurus have come up with tips about how to further scale back your driving costs.

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

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

By keeping your speed within the limit, you are actually saving up to 20 percent of fuel. So, be certain that you obey those speed boundaries. Also, don’t accelerate or brake suddenly if not needed. These use up a great quantity of gas that, when combined, costs you a great amount of money.

Air conditioning also uses up fuel use from lows of ten percent to a high of twenty percent. It also uses up your battery and drains it. Use the wind during sunny days. It might be better to drive with the wind in your hair. Also, excess weight on your car has a tendency to gobble up your fuel. Cut back the amount of load or baggage that you have.

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

To read more about cars and see some of the most expensive cars in the world, visit www.thesupercars.org and along the way, have a look at Audi Nuvolari concept.

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The Cost of Small Auto Repairs can Skyrocket

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

Some auto repair jobs come with prices that seem appropriate given the size of the part, time required to fix or replace it, and the value of having a particular problem resolved. Others can mysteriously cost an arm and a leg, even if the issue is unimportant and fixing it carries negligible value.

The fact is, there are a lot of parts, service jobs, and repairs that can take a significant bite out of your checking account despite seeming small or easy. In this article, we’ll take a quick tour through a few car repairs that can be surprisingly expensive.

More Than A Cosmetic Scratch

Think of the consequences of a low front end as your drive over a speed bump. You get out of the car and notice some minor damage on the bottom of the front bumper. Thinking the biggest expense will be the inconvenience of having to wait while the damage is repaired, you take your vehicle into a local garage. Prepare yourself; the cost to fix it might run into the thousands of dollars.

The bumper can actually hide structural damage in the front-end. Even though the bumper may look in ok condition, the front end of the car may need to be replaced.

Foreign Performance Models

You could fill a small book with the types of repairs that can cost an exorbitant amount of money when done on a performance vehicle. For example, consider an exhaust valve that needs to be replaced. Normally, the cost would be about $30 in parts and additional $30 in labor cost.

On a high-end car designed for muscle, the price tag can skyrocket. It’s not uncommon for a small job like this to turn into an expensive nightmare. For example, the mechanic may need to practically remove the entire engine in order to get to the valve. And chances are, he won’t do that for $30.

A Little White Smoke

White smoke coming from a car’s tailpipe looks innocent enough. Actually it can be the first warning signs that repairs are necessary. When operating your vehicle, the car engine goes through the combustion process. Coolant keeps the surrounding temperature under control. If the coolant gets into the combustion chamber, it will burn and produce white smoke.

There are a couple of ways this can happen. Sometimes, the gasket can break and need to be replaced. Diagnosing the problem and narrowing it to a simple gasket issue usually means removing the intake manifold. And that’s the least expensive path. If you remove the intake manifold and discover that the gasket is fine, your mechanic will need to start dismantling the engine. That will make the repair bill expensive.

Unfortunately, many auto repairs that turn out to be enormously expensive cannot be avoided. However, the next time you visit your mechanic for a “minor” job, you’ll at least be prepared for possible bad news.

You can save money and the environment by using used auto parts and recycled replacement parts. Consider Everdrive Used Auto Parts

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The Factors Inside Your Car’s Cooling System

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

Every minute you’re driving, your vehicle’s engine goes through its combustion process thousands of times. As it does, it produces intense heat. Nearly half of that heat leaves through the tailpipe and dissipates in the air. The other half must be absorbed by the auto parts that comprise your engine. That includes the pistons, the cylinder heads and other car part components.

On their own, these parts cannot withstand the high temperatures generated by combustion; they would start to malfunction and eventually fail completely. Luckily, your car has a cooling system. It is specifically designed to help these components soak up the excess heat without their being destroyed in the process.

Below, I’ll give you a brief overview of the three main car parts that make up your vehicle’s cooling system. I’ll explain the job they do and how they help ensure your engine doesn’t overheat.

#1 – Water Pump

The “secret” behind your cooling system’s effectiveness is the coolant. It circulates throughout the engine and surrounding components, absorbing much of the excess heat along the way. Then, it travels into the radiator which is cooled by constant airflow.

For it to circulate, the coolant has to be pumped along the route. This is the job of the water pump. It’s powered by your car’s timing belt, though older models might have a flat belt that powers the pump. If the timing belt breaks, it cannot operate the water pump, which will ultimately prevent the coolant from circulating and absorbing the heat.

#2 – Plumbing

By plumbing, I’m referring to the auto parts through which the coolant travels. That includes a network of hoses, valves, and the radiator. This includes the heater core, but that is not a significant part of this dialog. We’re mainly concerned with the hoses. They erode and deteriorate quickly from the heated coolant that consistently travels through the parts. It is wise to replace the hoses at least every three years for optimal performance. However, you should check them for cracks and fissures every four months. The hoses are relatively inexpensive, so if you notice crack – even small ones – replace them.

#3 – Sensors And Thermostat

Your car’s cooling system is equipped with sensors, fans, and a thermostat to monitor and control the temperature around the engine. They work in congruent of each other to assure that temperatures stay with in a predetermined limit. If any of these parts are damaged and fail, the engines temperature will increase higher than normal. When that happens, your vehicle’s performance can be hampered and emissions will likely rise.

It is impossible to overstate the importance of your vehicle’s cooling system. When all the car parts are working in sync and perfectly, the engine will perform the combustions process without any problems. However, if the water pump, hoses or valves, or sensors or thermostat malfunction, your vehicle can overheat. And that can easily lead to expensive car engine damage.

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