Window Tint: What You Need to Know

Go fast. Go safe. And go in style. This is the unconscious creed of all who consider car modifications. We don�t all seek renovations for the same reasons, but we are all considering modifications for the same underlying reason. We are drivers, mechanics, and dreamers who push our cars beyond the norm and into perfection. Regardless of your own reason for considering car mods, your car can benefit from window tint.

What is Window Tint?

Window tint is a combination of polyester and metalized coating. The window tint has a scratch resistant coating on one side, and a release liner on the other. Window tint is applied by removing the release liner and attaching the film to the windows with an adhesive or a static cling technology. Window tint can be used on both residential buildings and vehicles.

Why Window Tint?

Car modifications should increase the safety, comfort, and aesthetic appeal of your vehicle. Window tint accomplishes all of this and more. Window tint can:

Block the glare from the sun that can make it difficult and dangerous to drive on the road.
Make your car more energy efficient by blocking the sun. This feature will keep your car cooler on hot summer days. A must have for cars whose air conditioning have seen better days.

Block 99% of the UV rays from the sun. This will protect the interior of your car from sun damage. This vital feature will prevent the paint, rubber, and plastic inside your vehicle from cracking and fading.

Why Forego Window Tint?

Window tint is not without its downside. If you spend the majority of your time driving around after dark, you should not use this modification. The main problem is that the more effective the tint, the harder it will be for you to see through the window after dark.

State Regulations of Window Tint

Before applying window tint, you need to check your state�s window tint regulations. In order to protect everyone on the road, states have set up laws that you must follow when applying window tint to your car. Failure to follow these laws can lead to a monetary fine and jail time. If you want to avoid both, you must check out what window tint guidelines you must follow. The state regulates:

• How reflective a window tint can be and where reflective tint can be applied. 
• How dark the window can be on certain parts of the vehicle. 
• If you can use colored tint. 
• If you must have enhanced side mirrors to go with your tint. 
• Whether you need a sticker showing you window tint adheres to the law.  

How Do I Tint My Windows?

Tinting your windows may seem simple, but a sub-par window tint job can be aesthetically disastrous. Improperly applied window tint can have unsightly bubbles and dirt trapped beneath the window tint. In order to prevent this I would recommend that any interested car owners, leave the tint jobs to the professionals.

For those who are confident that they will be able to apply the window tint, I would recommend purchasing window tint that is applied with static cling technology instead of the adhesive. Static cling allows you to remove and reapply the window tint if you apply it improperly.

Window tint needs to be applied in a shaded, well-light, and dust-free area. It should be 40 to 98% F for three days after the installation. And you should not clean your vehicles windows with ammonia or house hold glass cleaners before you apply the tint. After you ensure that you fulfill these requirements, you can refer to this how-to video to guide you through the rest of the installation process.  

As a car mod buff, you might want to consider window tint for your vehicle. Window tint will reduce the glare, heat and UV rays allowed into your vehicle. Just make sure you follow the state window tint laws and have the skill to apply the window tint. And remember, if you�re a night owl, you might want to forego this modification.

Car Death or Injury: What to Do When Your Modified Car Gets in an Accident

�Ferris, my father loves this car more than life itself.�

�Ferris, he never drives it! He just rubs it with a diaper!�

As car enthusiasts we often spend years restoring and modifying cars. We invest our money, sweat, and time into the car. Like Cameron�s father from Ferris Bueller�s Day Off, we can become a tad obsessed�although we prefer to think of it as passionate. We may not love the car more than life itself, but it might be one of our most prized possessions. We may not spend our free time admiring the sleek paint job and polishing it with a diaper because that would be crazy�

Ok, I admit, I do spend hours each month polishing my car with a cloth. 

Unlike Cameron�s father though, I do drive my car occasionally. It is a nerve wracking process, but what is the point of owning a car if we cannot go on adventures together? We have two choices, hide it away to protect it, or drive while proactively looking out for the negligent or incompetent drivers.  There is only so much you can do to protect your car from the outside world. Eventually an accident might happen.

What to Do Immediately After the Accident?

At this point there is nothing you can do to prevent the accident. What you need to do is follow the law to the �T�. State automobile law is on your side, as long as you are not at fault. As soon as the accident happens you need to complete these steps:

Stop your car. Pull over to the side of the road if no one has been injured.

When you talk to the other driver stay calm. You may feel like blowing a gasket, but you and your car are better served by being calm and meticulous. In no circumstances should you say anything that might be construed as admitting guilt. Don�t even say a polite �I�m sorry.� The time for niceties has passed.
Call the police about the accident. The police will catalog any injuries and damage to the vehicles.

Collect the other driver�s information and ask the police officer for a copy of the accident report.
Survey the scene and take pictures. Spend a few moments after the accidents taking notes. This is important because monetary compensation hinges on who was at-fault for the accident, and it is important to record critical details while your memory is fresh.

What To Do After

Ensure Your Insurance Company is Fair

At some point, you will need to inform your insurance company that you have been in an accident. Do so immediately after, but do not sign anything, provide a recorded statement, or allow a claims adjuster to look at the vehicle before consulting a car accident lawyer. Insurance agencies may protect you, but they are also a business who can lose money if they pay the full value for every claim that comes across their desk.  Lawyers can ensure that your insurance or the other driver�s insurance company will not cheat you out of the money necessary to return your car to working order.

Look Into Seeking Monetary Compensation from the Other Driver

You may also want to consult a lawyer to talk about filing an accident claim against the other driver. Whether or not the other driver has insurance, they can still be held responsible for the injuries and damages acquired during the accident. If the other driver is uninsured or under insured in an at-fault state, you will be able to file a lawsuit to receive compensation for injuries, monetary loses, and damages. If you live in a no-fault state, who caused the accident is not considered. You will not be able to file a claim against the other driver. You will need to collect your claims from your insurance company.

Car accidents can be hard. They can be made harder when a car is damaged or destroyed that you spent years building and modifying. With the proper preparation and after-the accident strategy, you can receive enough compensation to rebuild the car or begin to modify a new car. It�s not fair, but it�s something.

Three Reasons to Buy Peugeot Parts Online

Comprehensive Range

We�re not talking about a single random scrapyard, but rather a huge network of authorized breakers yards that in essence come together to offer the biggest and most eclectic range of parts the UK has ever seen. And when it comes to the rarest of parts and those that haven�t been made by the manufacturer for decades, there�s really not a better place on Earth to turn. If a Peugeot part exists or has ever existed, this is where you�ll find it. 

Convenience

Heading out to six or seven breakers yards in hopes of finding the Peugeot part you need isn�t exactly fun at the best of times � especially when you know full-well that you�re probably coming home empty handed. The alternative therefore is to sit at home, make a few clicks online and have someone else search the length and breadth of the country for the part you need in the best condition and at the cheapest price. And once it�s found, they�ll deliver it right to your door at no extra charge. 

Costs

And finally there�s the biggie � the price. Apart from maybe a branded garage selling official top-tier parts for exorbitant sums, chances are you aren�t going to find any third-party retailers offering price promises and guarantees. Shop online however and you not only stand to find what you need for less than half the price of the store-bought equivalent, but it will also come backed with guarantees that you simply will not find it cheaper anywhere else. 

Hook, line and sinker - the single best option on the market today for the UK�s Peugeot drivers. 

By Dave Marsh

Dave Marsh used to import hard to find Peugeot spares from the continent, though now spend his days writing on various subjects around the auto industry. 
+Agnes Jimenez

Decorate Your Car For Fun

Spring is upon us and isn't it a wonderful time of year? We throw open our windows, clean our homes from top to bottom and start to look forward to longer days and the approaching summer.

But spring cleaning shouldn't be confined to just your home. Why not get the kids involved and give your car a complete makeover from top to bottom? The added bonus is that you will find all sorts of long lost treasures hiding in the nooks and crannies. Here are some great ideas from Diamond to get you started with the different ways to decorate your car�

Cleaning out the car

The car decoration is of no use if the cars are not tidy and especially after winter are often muddy and in need of a clean, so start by taking some soapy water to its exterior to get your motor shining again. Remove the car mats and replace them if they are looking a little worn. Replace the car seat covers with something bright and cheery to reflect the spring theme. Vacuum everything thoroughly and use a stiff brush to loosen any stubborn dirt.

If your car has a musty smell, sprinkle baking soda on the upholstery and rub it in gently. Leave it overnight and vacuum up the residue the next day. This grandma tip is guaranteed to shift the most doggy of smells!

Accessorizing the car

Most local print stores can make custom decals based on images that you choose. Decals are like stickers but are hardier and can endure the elements that a car is subjected to. Why not choose a spring theme such as gardening or honey bees and print out some decals to place on your car�s body.

Or to make your car stand-out from the crowd even more, how about Car-Jazzling?

Car-jazzling is the art of personalizing your car to brighten it up and reflect the light-heartedness of spring.

Take a look at your car headlights and imagine them with long, pretty eyelashes. Car eyelashes are widely available online but haven't really caught on in the UK yet. Watch all of the copycats in your street when they see how adorable this simple modification looks.

If you want to keep the car decoration a little more low-key we can turn our attention to the interior.

Buy a piece of AstroTurf and cut it into the shape of your rear parcel shelf. This cute garden bed can then house some imitation flowers, a white picket fence made from cardboard and a handful of small toys. Your kids will love it!

A more conservative option would be to keep a plastic vase in your car and fill it with fresh flowers. This would fit in with the spring theme and give your car the scent of freshly cut flowers. It really will feel like spring has finally arrived!

Your car is an extension of your personality so why not accessories it as such? It is just a bit of fun and if you can always take it down when you have had enough of it. Go on, get some car decoration for fun!

Keeping Your Car a Classic: 5 Tips To Maintain Your Baby

If you own a classic car, that fine piece of equipment is often classified as your baby. Just like you would take care of your little one, you need to make sure that you take time to take care of your classic car. Older cars, while they are classics with a great reputation, are more susceptible to having mechanical issues if they are not regularly maintained. To keep your car in tip top shape, here are 5 of the most common issues you may need to solve.

5 Common Car Maintenance Issues 

Car leak are perhaps the most common problem reported by classic car owners. While these leaks can occur a number of different places, in classics made by all of the most respected manufacturers leaks generally occur around the valve covers, the main seals, and the crankshaft seals.

1. Valve Cover Leaks

If you know your way under the hood of your classic Mercedes you must also know that what is a valve cover, you do not necessarily need to schedule Mercedes repair to fix a valve cover leak. This repair can easily be made if you remove your valve cover and replace the old gaskets with new ones that will sit flat and prevent further leaks.

2. Main Seal Leak

If you are a classic car enthusiast but not necessarily a mechanic, you may need to schedule Mercedes service and maintenance to fix a main seal leak. Because this seal is located in a place that cannot easily be accessed, it takes a lot more knowledge and work to fix. In some cases, the transmission and the clutch will need to be removed to access the main seal.

3. Crankshaft Seal Leak

Also known as the harmonic balancer seal, the crankshaft seal is located at the front of the engine and may not require in-depth mechanical skills to repair. By purchasing a seal kit, you can remove the harmonic balancer and install the sleeve to stop the leaks in the crankshaft. While you will need to follow directions, there are plenty of instructions that can be found on the Internet for do-it-yourself repair.

4. Door and Window Seal Leaks 

Oil leaks are not the only leaks you must worry about. Your door and window seals keep the outside elements out of your vehicle. If they are leaking, they have probably worn or cracked. The seals can easily be replaced with seals from the manufacturer or seals from an aftermarket parts company. Once you order the seals, you need to remove the old seals from the pins they are clipped in to install the new seals.

5. Fading Finish 

Over time, the dirt builds up and causes your paint finish to fade. By using a mild soap designed for cars on a routine basis, and waxing and buffing your baby by hand, you can protect the finish and make your baby shine.

Maintaining your baby is all about identifying problems before they get serious. While some work must be performed by a professional, many problems can easily be fixed on your own.

Are Car Mods Worth It?

Vince Evans was a light mechanic and auctioneer until he went back to his old love, writing. Rather than shouting at North Easterners, he prefers to write about New Jersey used cars dealers.

When thinking of decking out your car you should research to see how much that modification might increase or decrease the overall resale value of the car.

Personalized Aesthetic Modifications

Some modifications like wings attached to the rear of the car or a giant picture of a unicorn paint job might have disastrous effects on the resale value. Okay, yes most people won�t paint a giant unicorn on their car, but the overall concept is true. What is charming to you might be ugly to them. These types of modifications are all flash. They modify the car to fit you. The payoff for these is the personal satisfaction that comes with knowing that you are unique and not like all of those zombies that own the same car.

The problem with personalized aesthetic mods is that the resale value corresponds with the number of people that are willing to buy the car. Because most people are zombies that like to play it safe and not mod enthusiasts, the resale value might take a dive. When you try to sell a mod car to the masses, they sometimes get uncomfortable when they think about owning a car with some kinds of mods. They like normal cars that are a solid red, white, or black. They want the end of their car to be wingless, and they desire to avoid the shame and embarrassment that might arise in formal social situations when people see them climb out of their car at the company picnic. These types of people might not be able to see themselves buying the modified car at market price, let alone above market price. For that reason personalized modifications do not always sell well and should be considered only if resale value does not matter.

The Warranty Problem

Whether resale of a modified car is on the horizon, you should check beforehand if the mod can void the warranty. There are documented cases of warranties being voided because poorly installed modifications led to damage to the vehicle. A voided warranty will lead to a drastic dip in the resale price.

Modifications that Appeal to the Masses.

That being said certain modification when installed skillfully and correctly do appeal to the masses and can increase or at least not hurt the resale value. Replacing that old cassette tape player with a CD player or installing a TV with a DVD player into the back of a mini-van can increase the overall sale price. Soccer moms are less likely to road rage when their kids are occupied with a movie instead of arguing in the back seat. Likewise replacing the ratty seats with new leather can raise the comfort level, aesthetic appeal, and sales price of the eventual sale. It is important to make all mods appeal to a large demographic. Ask yourself what kind of people would buy a car with this modification. If you have a fairly large list of potential buyers, the modification should be safe to install.

Whether the mod is a functional or an aesthetic change, the potential mod buyer should be aware how the changes will affect how used car dealers from New York, Idaho or California will be able to sell your car. The wrong modifications could lead to a larger dip in the sales price than might be expected. And the right one can drastically increase what you can expect for the car.

2013 Maruti Suzuki WagonR Launched

Maruti Suzuki India limited, the India's largest car manufacturer has recently launched the facelift of its amazing hatchback Maruti Suzuki WagonR facelift. The company has launched the car in India on 15th January. The company has already discontinued the existing variants and opened the bookings for the upcoming car. People who are looking to purchase the 2013 facelift Maruti Suzuki Wagon R can place their booking by paying an amount of Rs. 10,000/- at the authorized Maruti cars dealer. When it comes to the modification and changes of this tall boy, it is receiving a much smaller grille with a single horizon slate instead of two that is present in the outgoing model. With Maruti Suzuki�s emblem placed over it. Now the upcoming car will be getting a larger air dam than the one given in the existing variant. The fog lamps are placed differently, which is giving much better and bigger front fascia. Apart from these the rest of the exterior remains to be the same as existing variant. Car has got some interior upgrades too. This hatchback has got all new dual tone dash board in all the variants of the car wheras if we take a look at LX and LXi variant of the car they have got dual tone seats too. Even the top variant of the car is been upgraded with � Eagle Wings� audio system with USB support.

The Maruti Suzuki WagonR price is Rs. 3.58 lakh for the base variant of the car, 2013 Maruti WagonR is available for the customers in six different amazing color options. Dealers of the Maruti cars have opened bookings for this upcoming car and the interested customers can pre-order for this tall boy in order to be the first to drive 2013 Wagon R. This car is expected to come to the markets with diesel fuel option but there is no official word from the company yet. We are expecting that the diesel variant of the car will be tagged at a price range of Rs 5.50 lakhs. Wagon R was one of the most popular Maruti Cars in India as it is cost effective, fuel efficient, comfortable and high performing vehicle. It is the best suited car for all Indian families. Spending money on this car will return complete value for money.

About The Author:

This post is written by Shweta Agarwal who has written on Maruti Suzuki WagonR. The company has recently launched the hatchback car, WagonR with great price and features.

Three Tools You Need for Car Restoration

Car restoration can be a very satisfying weekend hobby that can also become a lucrative side business. But in order to be able to have a car restoration project result in an enjoyable rather than a frustrating experience, it's important to have at least three essential tools handy before you begin any project.

Impact Wrench

The nuts, bolts and lugs attached to any vehicle, much less a vintage vehicle that may have been sitting around unused for years, will take some muscle power to be removed during the course of the restoration process. For safe and quick removal of any of these fasteners, make sure you have a good quality impact wrench. This piece of equipment, also known as a torque gun or air wrench, enables you to remove lugs, nuts and bolts using minimal physical exertion. They are available in sizes ranging from one-quarter inch up to three and a half inches.

Angle Grinder

The second essential tool to have handy when doing car restoration is an angle grinder. This hand-held power tool is essential for cutting, grinding and polishing metal during the restoration process. Some models can also be fitted with a sanding disc in order to serve double duty as a sander.

Oscillating Saw

The third essential car restoration project tool is an oscillating saw, also called a reciprocating saw because its cutting action is facilitated by a push and pull motion of the blades. Its fast side to side motion makes a quick job of cutting through thick metal as well as being able to do reach into tight spots where cutting action is needed. Cordless models give you even more flexibility and it's a good idea to invest in an oscillating saw that features alternate blades as well as sanding pads for even more versatility.

Before starting any car restoration project, make sure your jack and stands for lifting the vehicle off the ground are sturdy and reliable so you are completely safe anytime you are working under the vehicle. A reliable creeper also lets you move around underneath the car much more easily. An air compressor is a smart investment, since tools such as impact wrenches and grinders need this to provide adequate power.

Depending upon the complexity of your car restoration project, the tools you currently own may not be optimal for your needs. So take inventory before you begin and do a little online research to judge whether the essential tools mentioned above offer you the features and capabilities you'll need for your particular project. If you're a car restoration novice, ask other buddies who have more experience to recommend those specific tool models they give high performance ratings to and check out online product reviews to determine their ease of use and performance before purchasing them.

Author Bio

Lyndsi Decker is a freelance writer and is currently promoting Multi Tool Blades. She enjoys restoring cars and often blogs about it. In her free time she enjoys road trips with her husband.

How to Get the Most From Your Cars Engine

If you are unhappy with the stock engine that came with your vehicle, then there is a good chance that you are considering the option to upgrade it. Of course, this is something that will require you to put a significant amount of money into the car itself. Furthermore, it will require some labor and time. However, if you follow the steps outlined in this article, you can modify your engine to get the most out of it in no time.

Research engine upgrades for your car. 

 Depending on the specific vehicle you drive, there is a good chance that there will already be some upgraded engines available. Try doing some research online to find out what the most common engine modifications are for your vehicle. A lot of times, you can read about this on car discussion forums, which are typically authored by vehicle owners just like you. You may even want to join in the discussion and ask questions as you go along.

Consider your experience.

Have you worked on engines before? If so, then you may be able to save money by performing the modifications yourself. Otherwise, you will likely want to hire a professional for the job. After all, modifying an engine is a complicated process and can be very expensive to repair if you mess anything up.

Pick out a turbo kit. 

Depending on how much power you want your upgrade engine to have, you will want to choose a turbo kit or other upgrade for your engine that meets your needs. You can buy these online through a number of car part retailers, or you may even be able to get a discount by ordering through your local repair and engine work shop.

Hire a professional or buy necessary tools. 

Once you have the parts you need, take your car and the kit to a professional to have it installed. Or, if you plan on doing the repairs yourself, then be sure that you have the proper tools to do so. This includes everything from wrenches and jacks to spherical roller bearings which you can get from statewide bearings. After all, without the right tools, you will not be able to complete the installation properly.

Test the new engine. 

Be sure to run diagnostic testing on the engine before you take it to the streets for the first time. This will ensure that it runs properly, does not overheat, and has the right amount of power. 

About the Author: 

 Madyson Grant enjoys working on her car and getting the best performance out of it that she can. She is currently blogging tips for improving the quality of automobiles.

Ford India Announces Mid-Night Sale, Many Discounts in Line

Ford Figo A Popular Car from Ford

If you are looking to purchase a new car, then you need to consider purchasing one of the Ford cars available in the markets as the company just announced the mid night sale with ample discount offers. Perhaps this is the right opportunity for all individuals who are looking to purchase their first car. It seems like a step to increase its four wheeler sales in India, Ford India just came up with an attractive offer that will definitely draw in sales towards their showrooms. If you are just looking for an entry level small car then Ford Figo would be the right choice because it is available with an affordable price tag and offers ample amount of features like other hatchbacks. Today, many four wheeler companies are in line to offer huge discount offers to its customers in order to lure them and to increase the sales. The move just made by the Ford India seems to be a sensible move but we will have to wait and see whether the sales will pick up or not during this festive season.

When it comes to Ford Figo price, it starts at just Rs. 3.85 lakh and the customers will be getting an option to save upto Rs. 25,500/- on this stunning hatchback. Ford figo features will depend upon its variants but there are some common features among all variants of Figo such as power steering, power windows and air conditioner. However, there is no music player available with the basic model of the Figo, which is a bit of disappointment. One should talk about the specifications of this model because it is equipped with powerful engine. It is coming in with two engine options such as 1.2 liter petrol engine and 1.3 liter diesel engine that helps to produce great mileage efficiency. The 1.2 liter petrol engine has the capacity to produce 70 Bhp of maximum power and 1.3 liter diesel has the ability to produce 68.1 Bhp of maximum power.

When it comes to the mileage efficiency, the petrol variant can deliver 15 Kmpl of maximum mileage whereas diesel variant can deliver 18.2 Kmpl of mileage. Car enthusiasts need to compared this car with other entry level models in order to make out the best and drawbacks in this car. Overall, the car is good for small families, individuals and others who needs an affordable yet a high performing car. The car has a decent body design as we can observe in Ford Figo Pictures but it looks very compact. It is the right time for individuals to place their money on this vehicle as there are discounts available on the car.

About the Author : 

This post is written by Guest author who writes on Automobiles and gadgets with the latest information. Now, Ford India announced the mid night sale with ample discount offers. If you want to buy a new car then you have the best option of Ford cars such as Figo and  Ford Figo price starts at just Rs. 3.85 lakh. Follow her at Google+.

How To Get the Best Deal on Your Car

If you are ready for a new car, chances are you know exactly what you want. Whether it be a battered old classic you intend to lovingly restore or a brand new sleek sports car; it pays to do some research ahead of time to make sure that you get the best deal possible. Whether you having been squirreling away the pennies for some time or you have secured yourself 0% car finance; there's no sense in wasting your hard earned money by buying a car on impulse. It doesn't matter if the car you want is second hand or brand new, rolling straight off of the production line and onto your driveway; doing some groundwork will make sure you don't get ripped off. After all, when you are cruising around town or meticulously polishing your car you want be able to be that extra bit smug knowing you secured a good deal.

 

Scout Out Second Hand Deals in Other States

As with all significant purchases, shop around. If you are buying a second hand car, you may well want to consider buying one from out of state. Different cars demand different prices in different states. It all boils down to the availability of the particular car you require. This in turn is often dictated by the climate of a particular state. For example, in regions which have a climate which renders cars prone to rust, obviously a second hand car which is rust free will command a higher price. Therefore if you live somewhere where cars start to rust up after their first winter, consider traveling further afield to get a deal on a rust free used car.

The road trip home after collecting your car from another state could be the ideal opportunity to get to know your new purchase. However, make sure you accurately calculate the cost of flying to pick up your car in addition to the fuel costs for the journey home and add this value to the price you are paying for the car when deciding if you have found yourself a bargain. If you are buying from out of state, make sure you do your research into the various tax and registration implications; for example depending when you will get the title and whether the car is registered, you might be required to get an interstate transit permit to make sure you are legal on the drive home.

Be Prepared

Before going ahead with your purchase, do your research and have everything in place. Knowledge is power after all, so you are in the best position to grab a bargain if you have spent some time doing some research. If you are buying a used car, trawl the internet (online auctions, forums and car trading websites) as well as local auctions, classified listings and dealers for a bargain. Once you have found something suitable and at a good price, give the seller a call and fill in the details that might be missing from the ad such as the car's history and specific questions relevant to the make, model and age, e.g. has the timing belt been recently changed? If you are buying brand new, chat to people who already own the type of car you are thinking of purchasing in online forums. This way you can find out which optional extras might be worthwhile additions or which are all looks and no substance. If you are buying from a dealer, see if you can find reviews from people who have bought from them and definitely check out their returns policy.

Whether you are buying new or second hand, you need to set a budget and stick to it. Use resources such as the Kelly Blue Book to see what you should be paying for a new or used car. Calculate running costs such as servicing, fuel consumption, tax and insurance. Again, hit the forums to find out what people are really paying to run your particular vehicle. Once you have your budget ironed out, you need to ensure you have the right finances in place. If you have diligently saved for this day, then make sure the funds are easily accessible. Alternatively, consider guaranteed car loans from a car finance specialist to ensure you obtain the funds you require without any hassle. Having the finances in place ahead of time (and the cash in your back pocket if necessary) will mean you have one less thing to worry about and can swoop in when you see a good deal.

Negotiate

Once all the ground work is complete, bagging yourself a bargain is all about negotiating. Many people shy away from driving a hard bargain and this is what car salesmen bank on. If you have done your research you should have the confidence to go in and negotiate yourself a good price. When buying a second hand car, it is worth taking a mechanic or someone with a good working knowledge of cars (if you don't have that yourself) with you. If they find something requiring expensive work, you can negotiate the price down accordingly. When buying new, often it is worth buying your car towards the end of the month when the cut off for sales targets is looming and staff want to get one more deal in before month end. Similarly, if a new version of the model you are buying is due to be released soon and you are happy with the existing model, you may well find that a dealer is eager to see their old stock sold and may be more amenable to negotiation. However, if you sense that the sales person is not going to go any lower on the price, start haggling over extras; even something as small as a tank of gas or a set of mats equates to money in your pocket.

Simple Things that will Increase the Value of your Vehicle

The value of a car generally goes down approximately 65% after about 5 years of normal driving. Once you have decided to purchase a new or newer car it is tempting to quickly settle for the best offer you can get on your old car. Before hastily putting a "for sale" sign on the back window and placing an ad in the local newspaper, you should take advantage of a few simple and fairly inexpensive tips that will enable you to get several hundred dollars more than you otherwise would. There are other things that you should always be doing in preparation for the time when you will want to sell your car.

Washing and Detailing

Although this should be obvious, it is amazing how many people neglect to do it. Improving the appearance of a car both inside and out will greatly improve its perceived value. Your vehicle may be in superb mechanical condition, but if it doesn�t look clean and polished the car�s resale value might take a hit. It is well worth the investment of detailing and washing the car, regardless of whether you do it yourself or have a professional do it.
 

Limit Upgrades

Strangely enough, upgrades often decrease a cars resale value. For instance, adding a custom stereo system probably seems like a good idea, but modifications usually lower a car�s resale value. If you do upgrade your vehicle, you should keep the original parts so that it can be easily reverted to the original factory condition. Many experts suggest that you resist the urge to customize if you want to get top dollar when you sell the vehicle.

Keep your Car in the Garage

If you live in an area with harsh climate and severe weather, you should keep it in a garage. If you don't have a garage, consider using a car cover. This will make a huge difference in how your car looks.
Maintenance
 

One of most important and practical things you can do to maintain top resale value on it is to strictly adhere to the maintenance schedule including regular oil changes per the guidelines in the operator's manual. Be sure to document all of these things. A shrewd buyer will be as concerned with the mechanical condition of the vehicle as they are with the looks of the exterior.
 

Repair all Known Issues

Used car buyers love hearing that they�re buying a car with new parts. It instills trust when the seller is willing to spend money on repairs even though they won�t personally benefit from them. Whether it�s a new set of tires, seat covers, windshield wipers or spark plugs, these repairs give the impression that all known issues have been fixed and the car won't be in need of immediate service.
 

As simple as these things are, they will make a huge difference in being able to sell the car for the highest possible price. You can usually get more money for your car by selling it yourself rather than using it as a trade-in on your next car purchase. When you purchase your new car, be sure to choose one that holds its resell value well.

Author's Bio:

Marc Tuttle is the Manager of Internet Marketing at Seat Covers Unlimited. Visit our site to view seat covers by Seat Covers Unlimited.

Keeping Your Home Safe with Garage Door Knowledge

Few days back, a post was published here on this blog about the benefits of using the roller garage doors for your home garage. Well, our reader Daley James Francis has just emailed us a relevant article about the garage doors and how can you keep your home safe with them. I hope you guys will find it informative.



There is a saying: �A little extra knowledge never hurt anybody.�

Not only is the statement true, but it can also be taken literally in the case of having garage doors installed at home. These products are made with steel or aluminum, and in most cases are the biggest, heaviest items you can have put onto your home. If you don�t keep a close eye on your garage door and read up on what to look out for if the product is beginning to show wear and tear or starting to operate poorly, it could result in somebody getting seriously hurt.

Keeping The Family Safe

If you have a family, children will be constantly running around inside and outside the house, and minor accidents are bound to occur. It�s all part of growing up. When an accident occurs because of faulty equipment in the home, it is much harder to deal with. A faulty garage door coming down and hitting a member of your family would be tragic, but if you keep on top of your checks and your knowledge of the product is good, there shouldn�t be any reason to panic. Keeping a schedule for checks and cleaning is always a good idea, so you get used to checking over the product. By doing this, you will notice any changes in the product before they can escalate into something bigger.
 

Call in the Experts

If you�re going to pay out on having a great quality garage door installed at your home, it is highly likely that you will be checking out the market and choosing the right product and best deal for you and your home. When you do this, it�s a very good idea to talk to the people at the company to get an idea of how to take good care of the product so safeguard you and your family against the chances of any accidents taking place.
In most cases, you will be told to look out for rust, wear and tear and any problems related to the opening and closing of the door. Does it make a lot of noise? Is it difficult to close? These are all things to look out for, and when they start to happen, it is a good idea to get the experts out to have a look. It could cause you a lot of hassle in the future and will reduce the risk of an accident occurring.
 

Author Bio:

Daley is a home owner, and roller garage doors by Easyfit are a great way for other homeowners to achieve a high level of home security.

How To Find Good Family Cars

The buying of cars today has been made so easy. There is need however to understand the current market trends because every so often there are news of manufacturers recalling a model because of a problem that affects its performance. This doesn�t help in painting a reliable picture of themanufacturer in the eyes of the general population. Finding good family cars will therefore involve knowing exactly what you are looking for before going to the website or to the car dealers to ask for a car quote.

Many people will agree that being indecisive when buying something as important as a car might eventually lead them to buying something that they never wanted or needed in the first place. Doing some research, comparing the ratings, the prices, the features and many other features is important. Research can be easy when one has an idea of the class of family cars they want to own and this will definitely help them in getting the right car.

Reviews have become one of the best ways through which many people get vital information to base their decision on. It is highly unlikely that a car which is being advertised as extremely good to own can be bought by many people if the reviews it is receiving from the people who have already owned it are all negative. It is for this reason that many people are going for the established known brands of family cars and at the same time basing their decisions more on what other people say of them.

Visiting the yard for a test drive is a good thing that every person who has settled on a particular car must do. Test drives are generally for short distances but there would be no harm in hiring the car for a day and testing its capabilities at no one�s impositions.  Taking the car for a day helps one to test its practicability, long distance driving comfort, behavior on steep roads etc. All of these would definitely be hard to test if the car was tested with the car salesperson sitting in the passenger seat. This type of drive testing helps one come up with the best type of car out of a large pool of family cars (it�s interesting that the Danish word is familiebiler).

The cost is one of the main determinants of what type of car one can buy or not.In fact, it is the only determinant that dictates what category of cars one should dare look at. This however, does not mean that one can�t get an ideal car based on their needs and family preferences. Having considered all the factors that people consider important, it is not hard to see that there are good family cars in every cost category and all one has to do is compare and contrast the cars� benefits with their needs. Using these tips will most likely make one end up behind the wheel of a car that makes them smile more.

Pamper Your Car - The Five Must Have Car Care Products

Are you in  love with  your car? Im sure you are ,  then why don't you pamper it with car
care products invented to suit your love.
I am sure you want your love to look clean and admirable all the time. So, why don't you invest in the latest  cleaning innovations in car care products that are created to leave your car spic and span.

Car care products include cleaners and tools which can give your car a clean and fresh appeal. Latest solutions and tools are fabricated to serve your delicate car exterior and interiors. Car interiors often get accumulated with dirt and dust, which can get difficult to clean. To serve your delicate car interiors many cleaning products, tools and solutions are created to shine your cars delicate detailing.

Delicate car interiors require you to be armed with tools and cleaning techniques to serve the  intricate detailing of car interiors. Upgraded Interior and plastic cleaners help you remove the stubborn dust from the impacted corners. Interior car pampering requires you to clean, protect and dress the fine detailing. Latest inventions in the car pampering field help to serve your cars leather seat and upholstery from getting impacted. Make sure that you shelve a little to invest in a protectant, as it helps to retain the life of your car.  Then to give it a final touch, dressing is required to maintain your car leather and vinyl.

Leather of your car seat must be properly cared to retain its beauty. So, if you want your car upholstery to get the 'waoh' factor condition and clean it with a suitable product.  Conditioners, as the name implies conditions and leaves your upholstery soft and clean.

If you want to make heads turn then do care to spend time on your car exteriors. They give the first impression to the lookers. The three step formula to achieve cleaning care exterior cleaners  that help in washing, polishing and waxing. Car shampoos are there to do the cleaning job. They help in wiping of particles and dust  off your car body. Car polish and wax helps you achieve a shiny and spotless car finish. Glass cleaners and wipes are  improvised to give your car a perfect look. They reach out to the glass windows easily and help in maintaining the delicate glass exteriors.

Tires and wheels are the tough areas to clean. But, not anymore as the inventions in cleaning components have made it easy. Cleaning products help you wash the tough exteriors but make sure you choose the appropriate ones to suit your wheels.

Maintenance products and Accessories are created to protect and care for your vehicle. Maintaining your car requires to protect it from unknown impacts. Seasonal maintenance requires you to constantly check on the batteries and tires. Care to wax your car when required. Have a check on the AC and cooling equipments to safeguard unknown incidents.

Air fresheners are a must to remove odor.  You might smell good but what about your car. Car fresheners leaves a good fragrance and eradicate odor. They are a must have to make your journey pleasant and memorable.

Author Bio:

Hi i am anna lee working for car studio as a marketing head. Car Studio is leading provider of car body covers india  and premiere car care products in India.

How to Select Good, Trustworthy Auto Repair Shops

Despite the global economic slowdown and rising fuel prices continuing to hit the country, several people opt to keep their cars in good running condition. Even if the car requires major repair work, most people get it done instead of purchasing a new vehicle. Although you save up money by not buying a new vehicle, you will have to spend an additional amount on repair and maintenance work of your old vehicle. This requires you to find a good, trustworthy auto repair shop.

Finding the best and most trusted auto repair shops is very important, particularly at a time when you are stranded on the road with a car that is not at all functioning. At such a time, people generally look for an auto repair shop at the vicinity. However, if there is no good auto repair shop nearby, it is always better to hire a good mechanic, who will ensure that your car is in good running condition.

For those residing in Mitchell, a small township in Australia, if your car breaks down you can look for a service centre Mitchell nearby. Here are a few tips that will help in selecting the best auto repair shops.

� Before deciding to get your car repaired, it is important to ensure that the repair shop you choose is certified. The mechanics must be highly experienced to deal with major repair works.

� Find out if the car repair shop has good references. Know if the car repair shop is reputed by reading reviews in magazines and online. Family members, friends and colleagues will best advice you about their experiences with the shop.

� In order to get the best car repair done at an auto repair shop it is a good idea to find out repair shops offering services at affordable rates. If your car requires extensive repairs, some mechanics ask you to pay a nominal fee. However, most of the mechanics include the fee in the overall repair work. It is therefore always better to enquire about the fees before taking your car to the shop.

� In most cities, car repairs can be quiet expensive and the labour involved in repairs adds up to the cost. In order to get better deals on your car repair you must opt for repair shops offering affordable rates. Car Repair Mitchell is one of the most reliable and affordable repair centres in Mitchell, Australia.

� Extreme heat and cold can cause extensive damage to the batteries of your car. You may end up buying incorrect battery for your car if you do not consult a mechanic. This can damage your car further and is a sheer waste of money. It is always to get your batteries replaced by relying on car repair service.

Car Doc Fee

After so much research, thinking, discussions, numerous visits made to dealers showroom you zeroed down the car you want to buy. Then the D day comes when you went to the showroom to buy your dream car. After hours of negotiation all settlements have been done, you are about to sign the final documents. Within few minutes that shinning twilight purple metallic 4 wheel machine will be yours. But as you read the papers and go down you will spot a fee of $595 which you were not aware with an unfamiliar phrase describing it as �Dealer Service Fee� or some call it �Delivery Fee� or some car dealers charge it as �Document Fee� or �Doc Fee�.

First reaction of yours will be �What�s this is for?� �Nobody told me about this earlier!�
If the dealer from whom you are buying the car doesn�t have a Full Disclosure Policy, will not disclose this fee earlier. It will be introduced at the last moment. Exhausted you after spending half of the day in the showroom waiting for the deal to be closed, car to be ready, will pick up the pen and will sign after little bargain.

But do you have to? Is it necessary to pay this fee? And what exactly is this thing called a �Document Fee?�

It�s easy to answer the second question first. �Doc Fee� is a cost charged by dealers for preparing the documentation at the time of new car buy. To some extent, this is legit. We may not have given attention to it but there are line of people from lower level to high cadre whose job is to see that all the documents submitted dealing in car sale purchase are in correct order and accurate. So this is their labor fee. But being frank it also includes the profit margin of the dealers. In some cases it is huge, means huuuugee!!

Doc fee varies from location to location. In some places it ranges from from $295 to $695 whereas in some other it can cost up upto $2000. So it is clear the ones who are paying such huge doc fee the dealers of that area are earning huge profits. But to my surprise, in some states doc fee is being regulated by the state and can be charged maximum to $50. I am sure there will be some areas where NO �Doc Fee� is charged on new car purchase.
 

But the question arises how the car dealers get away with this? It�s pretty simple if all the dealers in your area will charge the fee. It will be horrible inconvenient for you to go and buy new car from some other state. So customers pay the fees demanded by the dealers.
 

But more important question is. Do you really need to pay this FEE?

It all depends upon dealerships in that particular area. In my experience 99 out of 100 dealers charge it so one left out will start charging it eventually. And if ardent customer refuses to pay that Doc fee, the dealers refuse to sell the car and you have to go home without your dream car. As a customer you can only equalize this not so required fee by doing good bargain in getting discounts from the car dealer. Like ask for $595 discount or equivalent free car accessories to make up for the $595 doc fee which you have to pay.

Now here comes the rider and the hidden cost. If you think you have managed to land an awesome deal for yourself. A deal which may only be break even or cost to cost for the dealer. You may still be required to pay the doc fee and this might be the only fees that the dealer would be earning on the deal. This might be the money that might be allowing him to stay in business and the dealer�s only profit source.  Now you might think that is not a fair business practice and borders on the business ethics as all fees and charges should be disclosed to the customer before closing the deal. The customer should raise his voice for the deceptive tactic used by some. We provide a full disclosure and all charges and transaction costs are laid in front of the customer beforehand so that they do not feel cheated and shortchanged later on when they sign the cheque.

Bottom line is that don�t get caught off guard by this Fee introduced by dealer at last moment. Expect such thing to happen and be prepared to deal with them. Be upfront and ask your dealer for all the prices included in the final cost.
Good luck!

About The Guest Author: 

Sofia Williams writes for Mark Kia. She is a freelance content contributor and likes to write about various spheres like Social Media, technology trends and her secret favorite � cars and automobiles. She is a keen observer and contributor for various auto forums and the online auto space.

 

10 Efficient Fuel Consumption Tips

10 Useful Tips for Efficient Fuel Consumption

Efficient fuel consumption is not only obtained by buying a multiple car or suitable expensive tracking devices. All of us can and should include a little yet efficient method for decreasing our petrol intake not only to convenience our pouches, but also for the common benefit of the restricted natural supplies.

Below are the ten useful tips that tell you how to save fuel that are proven to conserve your funds on fuel intake and ensure efficient fuel consumption of your car.

1.) Do not speed

Remember your mom keeps telling you about this protection measure? This advice must follow and is helpful in decreasing the petrol consumption too. Whenever you speed up your vehicle or slow down, your engine takes a lot of more petrol or fuel than the situations had you not changed the speed. Resistance of wind increases at high speeds, leading to low mileage.

2.) Regularly Check your wheel pressure

This needs to be consistently examined for your car. Wheels lose air over a time period and under-pressured tires have high resistance, which means more resistance will consume more fuel. So know the exact pressure for your tires and make sure that you maintain them regularly.

3.) Servicing the engine

Engine lights are present purposefully. It would be useless if it were to go on and suddenly off just before a complete stop. There are numbers of plugs and valves present that could continuously keep the lighting goes on. You keep on stand to save the miles lost just because of defective parts and also avoid the chances of getting trapped in the center of nowhere just due to impaired engine. So keep a regular check on the maintenance of your engine. 

4.) Better to drive with the windows down & the A/C off

Fresh air is excellent for health and also for decreasing the fuel intake. Keep doing this unless you are passing on the highway where windows down would make more resistance. But try to drive on the roads with open windows.

5.) Try to avoid driving on rough roads

Rough or damaged roads are very dangerous for your car body parts, and it also require more fuel to run on that way. Also avoid driving on crowded places and change your way if possible to a straight road to avoid traffic and traffic lights which forces to change of gears constantly. This will also decrease the fuel intake considerably.

6.) Place cargo in the vehicle to make it Smooth

Aerodynamics is the basic aspects while considering fuel consumption. While putting cargo in vehicles or cars make sure to fit it inside to decrease the air resistance and improve aero dynamicity. If you have a convertible, you can see the tremendous improvement in mileage while driving.

7.) Keep your car neat and clean from inside and outside

Be particular with the cleanliness of your car. While cleaning your car, remove all the extra cargo that contributes the extra weight to your car. This may look small but even a single addition of 40 lbs can eliminate off many kilometers from a gallon. During winter season, before driving, just remove the icicles. A few icy layers can easily add 50 lbs. So, it�s better to be organized.

8.) Turn off your car engine at every possible places

A survey has analyzed that if you have to stop at any place for more than 30 seconds then you will be beneficial if you turn off your car. Traffic lights, grocery and laundry pickups, ATM are some of the places where you can do this.

9.) Choose a car according to your needs

Big cars are not only funny but it consumes a lot of fuel or one can say it�s a gas guzzlers. Investing on these cars is beneficial only if it fulfils your needs. Otherwise small cars are better and of low cost but gives more mileage.

10.)  Avoid Un-necessary driving.

Probably this will prove as the best tip yet for fuel saving. Don�t feel shy to walk on the near visiting areas like laundry, ATM, or parks. Give your car a rest by avoid taking it to near-by places. With congested zones or traffic jam areas, it is always beneficial to take public transport to reduce stress and also reducing your fuel consumption.

Incorporate all the above described tips in your daily life and this will benefit you from money saving to low stress level.

Author Bio:

Roberta Smith writes for http://www.toyotaplace.com. She enjoys content and writing about the social sphere.

Car Air Filter - Useful Information That You Should Know

Well, in order to improve the output of your car in terms of acceleration and horse power, it is really necessary that you make sure that your car's air filter is working absolutely fine.

The reason being that the more effectively  your car's air filter, filters the air and send it down to the engine's combustion chambers to burn some fuel,  the greater the power will be generated by your car and hence more acceleration. Absolutely something you crave for when you get on your ride.

So I've decided to do some posts about the air filters or air intake systems. Of course, they are going to be more than one posts related to this series starting from the working of the air filters to the types and kinds of them and of course in the end, some basic playing around / modifications that people normally do with their air intake units so that their cars start raging with power.

So let's start with the basic working purpose and function of your car air filter.

What And Where Is The Car Air Filter?

When you open your car bonnet, the most apparent thing at the top and right in the middle of the whole area (in most of the cases) is what you say a Car's Air Filter Unit A.K.A Car Intake Unit. It's a case with a pipe (again, in majority of the cases) extending out of it. The air filter is inside this whole unit and can be seen when you un-clip and then remove the lid off the unit . It may be rounded or squared shaped.

Coming to the question of how does an air filter work, the most simple answer is just like your nose hair. I'm sorry to be that gross but I believe that this example can be understood by people from every background. So what does your hair in the nose do? Simple, they block or filter out the dust particles coming from this cruel mean world and ensure that pure air reaches your lungs. The same is done by the car's air filters (air purifier) as they block the dust particles and send the air to get burned. The very air that contains oxygen. So less the impurities and more the oxygen, the more fuel will be burnt by the engine and therefore will produce more power in turn.  

Types Of Air Filters.

When it comes to buying, installing, cleaning and replacing  your air filters, its necessary for one to better know the types of air filters available in the markets. There are variety of air purifiers available in the market and of course the choice depends on the factors like durability, performance, maintenance and the size of your pockets. Like a "daddy" would like to have an air filters which has a long life and is economical but the racers would want to have filters which makes their cars like a person on anabolic steroids. So below are some of the types discussed, and by "type", I mean to say the material used in the manufacture rather than the shapes of the filters (like Cone, RAM, Panel e.t.c.). I hope that after reading them you'd be in a much better position of deciding one for your car.

1. Paper Air Filters

Easy on your pockets and to stay within your budget, these air filters are prepared using paper pleated to adjust in the filtration unit. Of course the term paper doesn't mean the same paper used in writing or scribbling e.t.c.

The pleated paper air filters are though economical and cost effective, yet they are not considered effective enough as they tend to restrict the air flow. Secondly, they also need to be replaced more frequently. Say,  about after every 10,000 miles.

2. Gauze Air Filters

These air filters are further divided into  two categories:

a. Oil Based Gauze Filters.

As the name suggests, they are normally laced with chemical which we normally call oil. So these oil wetted air filters restrict the abrasive and other hazardous organic particles to enter the engine cylinders hence minimizing the wear and tear of the car engine.

b. Dry Air Filters

These are the oil filters not equipped with any kind of chemical compound and the only line of defense is the very material they are manufactured with. Like paper, cotton foam e.t.c.  

3. Foam Air Filters

Foam is used in such kind of air filters. They've considered as a good and effective material against dirt and dusts and the use of foam in  the air purifiers until recently was not only restricted to the Cars' Air Filters, but many other household equipments used to have them within them. Like vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers e.t.c. The main reason being their high dirt capacity (ability to restrict larger quantity of dust) with minimal air restrictions.

The above mentioned kinds of air filters are not the only air filters that are used around the automotive world. There are more like oil bath air filters, cotton air filters e.t.c. You'd see many of them used in the combination with other kinds. Like foam and oil gauzed air filters.



So what I have tried to do is that I've discussed a rather generic kinds of the filters that you might encounter.



Since the post is getting longer, I find myself not in a position of discussing what type of air filters are suited for what kind of conditions and why the people just don't stick to the very best and optimum kind of the air filters. I'd rather leave it for some other day, some other post.





    

New Audi S7 LED Headlights - Game Day Commercial

Get a sneak peak of the new Audi S7 commercial. Amazingly, of all the features, they've focused more on its new daylight like LED Headlights. Besides claiming it to be more efficient, they are more like daylight thus making them even safer and visible even in the dusk.

See what becomes of the entire vampires party when they are exposed to this new Audi S7's LED Lights.
Kinda funny :-)