Tips on How to Land a Good Car Deal

In this day and age of economic crisis, do you think buying a new car is practical? Even though it is not practical for a lot of people, they are still forced to buy one out of necessity. Those who live in far flung places where public transport is hard to come by would rather choose to bust out their pockets rather than be without any means of transport. I’m sure some of you readers out there would agree with me on this.

 

At present, it is not only the commuters who are experiencing the brunt of the present economic crisis. Carmakers are also becoming desperate to boost up their sales. For some of them it’s either sell more or fold. Take for example Toyota. It is now offering 0% interest rate on some of their vehicles, just to attract more buyers.  That’s how dire the automobile industry has become. As a potential customer, as I’m sure you’ll be buying a new car in the near future, how can you avail be secure in availing of a new car?

 

 

If you are going to avail of a car today Peter Valdes-Dapena of CNNMoney.com has some tips for you: 

 

1. Check Your Credit Rating

            - Making credit checks must be done at least once a year. For making this check, be sure to go to a reputable credit reporting agency like Equifax Experian, or TransUnion. Check on the accuracy of the results. If the result is all positive, then there’s shouldn’t be any problem.

            - You must also determine just how much you can afford. Consulting online sites that provide estimates on monthly payments would be a big help as this will give the general idea before you go to a car store.  You will be able to choose a better deal that will not let you have longer loan period.

 

2. Start Shopping

            - This shopping refers to finding a car loan. According to David Thomas of Cars.com, “Always check with a different financing institution before you go into a dealer.” You can see your local credit union or even apply to your own bank for a car loan if it is offering such service.

 

 3. Closing the Deal

            - Some car dealers also offer car financing so there’s a chance you’ll no longer use the loan you arranged. “Car dealers often make little money on the actual sale of the new car. The money they get for arranging financing has become an important part of their revenue stream. The biggest factor in how much you’ll pay for financing is how much you borrow. To minimize the principle, take advantage of all the discounts out there, as well as the dealers’ willingness to negotiate, to get the best price you can.”

Well, these tips should help you when you go shopping for a new car anytime soon.

Adding a Personal Touch to your Vehicle

Adding car accessories is the easiest way of personalizing your vehicle. Coming in varied colors, styles, and designs, accessories give car owners and enthusiasts numerous ways of enhancing the looks of a vehicle. Without them, a vehicle would look boring and incomplete.

Internal car accessories include dash covers, car seat covers, mirrors, shifter knobs, aftermarket steering wheels, steering wheel covers, fuel consumption meters, window tint film, stereo system, mobile video or DVD players, floor mats, and air fresheners. Car seat covers, which can be bought in different materials and designs, consist of leather seat covers, sheepskin seat covers, custom car seat covers and infant car seat covers.

On the other hand, exterior accessories include styling body kits, spoilers, sports mirrors, head and tail light covers, car hood shields, car bras, window visors, car covers, a sunroof, wiper blades, hood scoops, window graphics, and wheel caps.

Trucks and sports utility vehicles use additional accessories such as customized truck covers, novelty hitch covers, pickup truck bed covers, and tonneau covers.

Auto accessories are not just decorative items for your vehicle. They also perform other functions, which range from ensuring safety and improving car performance to passenger comfort. Accessories also help protect auto parts from damage. Take for example the seat covers, which protect the vehicle seat from wear and heat of the sun. A steering wheel cover, aside from protecting the steering wheel, improves the grip of the driver on the steering wheel. To increase a vehicle’s capacity to carry luggage, roof boxes or roof racks can be mounted on top of the car. Floor mats, which are an integral part of the car, keep the floor safe and provide comfort to the feet.

There are no hard and fast rules in accessorizing vehicles. Even without the help of a professional, you the car owner can put add-ons to the car depending on your taste. You just have to remember that just as auto parts require regular maintenance, your car accessories as well need to be checked for damage once in a while.

Extending your Car’s Life Span

Is it worth holding on to an old reliable car than buying a new one?

Absolutely. Today’s cars are in fact designed to last long. Trading in cars for a new model every three to five years has become a thing of the past. Keeping a car for 225,000 miles for more than 15 years instead of spending for an identical model every five years can save you even more than the original price of the car.

Consumer Reports recommends the following pointers for maintaining your car in good working condition over a long period of time.

• Buy smart. Consult Consumer Reports’s April Autos issue for comprehensive reliability ratings. The car you choose should be equipped with safety features that have performed well on government and insurance industry safety tests.
• Get regular service. Don’t hold back on maintenance. You may think you’re saving money by delaying that oil change, but think again. Skipping even one routine oil change can result in engine wear, so stick to the schedule.
• Be a car detective. Get in the habit of regularly popping the hood and checking for unusual sounds, sights or smells that may tip you off to problems. Look out for things like bulging hoses or cracked belts. If you’re mechanically inclined, you may even be able to fix minor problems yourself with the help of the vehicle service manual. The Internet also offers a broad array of do-it-yourself tips that can help you with car repairs.
• Don’t cheap out on auto parts. If you try to cut costs by buying used or off-brand parts, you may end up paying the price in the long run. You may inadvertently cause damage to the car by using parts or fluids that don’t meet the specifications of the manufacturer. The lesson: Be extra careful if you buy off-brand. And remember, when purchasing auto parts, quality and price must be weighed equally.
• Keep it clean. You’ll be less tempted to trade up to a new model before it’s time if you treat your current car with care. Remember: regular washing and waxing can help preserve paint and stave off rust, which can add years on a car.

In a nutshell, these tips tell us that nothing beats regular car maintenance in prolonging the life of your car. It is a simple but sure way to get the most out of your car, especially if you intend to keep your car for its sentimental value. Doesn’t it also bring pride to you being an owner of a well-maintained car that has withstood a long time?

What’s in? What’s out?: Latest Trends in Car Modification

Many trends come and go. Just like in the fashion world, the automotive industry has produced auto parts and accessories that are a fad in a certain period of time, but eventually go out of style when years pass. Among the auto parts that were once popular include neon under body kits, 13-inch wire wheels pushed out, neon washer nozzles, headlight and taillight covers, air shocks, and huge rear spoilers. Many of the past trends are still popular today, but with quite a different touch of style.

Examples of auto parts that have come and gone through the years are the smoked headlight and taillight covers, which were very popular between the mid and late 1990s. Come new millennium, sales of these items gradually dropped. Nonetheless, a lot of people still find the look of blacked out headlights appealing.

 

Smoked headlight covers always come and go.

Despite that, the newest trend is the tinted version of the aftermarket headlights, marker lights, and taillights. Kits that use a type of film to achieve this look are being sold by some companies. The problem with these kits, however, is that they usually leave gaps around the edges of the headlights or taillights.

A fad that is making a comeback in the realm of car accessories is chrome trim products. Before, chrome trim was found on almost every conceivable edge on the car including the door edges, gas cap, trunk lid, and rain guards. Today, many auto parts are custom made for particular vehicles and are designed to appear as though they are made from the factory. These car accessories include chrome door handle covers, mirror covers, pillar post trim, rocker panel molding, headlight, taillight trim, and even chrome rain guards and bug shields. Most of these items are easy to install, installing over the top of the factory parts using double-sided adhesive. These car accessories can greatly enhance the looks of a base model vehicle when used moderately.

Custom grilles, which had their beginnings in the truck accessories market, have been popular among many car enthusiasts. However, these accessories were often difficult to find for cars, and many vehicles that featured these products had items that were custom made by custom auto shops or by their owners. At present, a broad array of grilles is available for cars, trucks, and SUVs (sports utility vehicles). These include billet grilles, chrome mesh grilles, honeycomb style speed grilles, chrome factory style grille shells, chrome custom aftermarket grille shells, aluminum mesh, and many different styles of grille overlays including flames, “punch-out”, and many other different designs. The most recent and trendiest style is the chrome mesh, which are more expensive but more impressive than the billet style grille.

Upgrading the grille on the vehicle has been very appealing to car owners and many auto parts companies have recognized that fact. Now, there is a custom grille option for just about any vehicle model and make.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Auto Parts

Planning to purchase replacement auto parts? Before rushing to an auto parts store, there are a few points you have to consider. These include the pros and cons of various auto parts.

Today, car owners are fortunate that auto parts are accessible. Whereas before, auto parts were limited in number. When a vehicle broke down due to one or several damaged auto parts, the remedy was to find an alternative part or replace the vehicle with a new one. Nowadays, the cost of repairs and replacement auto parts are small compared to the increasing prices of new vehicles.

Generally, the term auto parts refers to the components of a vehicle sold by either the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of a particular vehicle, or a different engineering firm that manufactures mechanical parts for various makes and models of autos.

Auto parts, particularly genuine OEM parts, are fairly expensive. Aside from that, there are other costs such as transport expenditures while the vehicle is undergoing repair. The cost of time and inconvenience if the repair work is to be done by the car owner also has to be considered.

Having mechanics to fit the auto parts to your vehicle saves you the time and energy of having to do it on your own. Also, the advantage of it is that you are assured that the work is performed by a professional. On the other hand, the drawback is the extra money that you have to shell out for the expensive cost of the auto parts. Car owners can save a lot of money by buying auto parts at many discount outlets and auto accessories warehouses available.

Federal Program Promotes Increased Seat Belt Use

 

Buckle up and you’ll be saved. You’ll even be rewarded for that.

Last week, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters announced that 17 states, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and four territories will receive more than $109 million under a federal program that encourages and enforces seat belt use.

Secretary Peters emphasized the importance of a strong seat belt law in saving lives. “Every time you get into a vehicle you should buckle up. It’s that simple,” she said.

In 2005, Congress had an incentive grants program to implement laws that require the use of seat belts in passenger vehicles. All but one of the 17 states receiving the incentives had enacted and are implementing a primary belt law before December 31, 2002. Indiana amended its primary belt law this year to incorporate all vehicles and is receiving over $15 million. In May of this year, Kentucky received over $11 million for its recently passed primary belt law.

Under the federal program, states may use their grant funds for any road safety measures. All the America’s 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the four territories are eligible to receive grants under this program. The Department of Transportation provides these grants to the states under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users in 2005, (SAFETEA-LU) Section 406, Safety Belt Performance Grants.

Under a primary belt law, a law enforcement officer can order a vehicle to stop, as well as issue a citation when the officer observes an unbelted driver or front seat passenger.

As a motorist who plies the road everyday, I find this a sort of welcome news. Road accidents can occur any time, and the simple act of fastening your seat belt can reduce the impact of fatal vehicular crashes. While many drivers tend to ignore the seat belt, I always make it a point to buckle up as soon as I get into my car. Car accidents are the leading cause of death and injury for people under the age of 35. Knowing the importance of seat belts, I encourage my friend-drivers to do the same. People have so many reasons for not buckling up—from the inconvenience of wearing the belts to thinking that driving at only a short distance exempts them from accidents. No reason justifies the non-usage of seat belts. Also, make sure that you wear your seatbelt properly. Both straps should be fitted firmly but comfortably to your hipbones and shoulder bones. And always remember, you are doing this not only to comply with the law, but also for your own safety.

Tips for Safe Autumn Driving

The autumn season is just around the corner—daytime is getting shorter and the summer heat is winding down. For car owners and enthusiasts, fall is the perfect time to prep up the vehicle after the destructive effects of summer to the exterior and interior of vehicles.

Extra dangers on the road await drivers as autumn begins. The darker and wetter conditions that aptly characterize autumn cause driving hazards as the roads become more slippery. During autumn, driver vision is also affected as light levels drop. Fallen leaves could get in the way of safe driving because wet leaves lead to skidding, which can cause accidents. I would advise car owners to watch out for these problems and be prepared for them before any worse condition rises.

First things first. Before starting with your “car makeover,” read your owner’s manual and follow the advised service checkups. Make sure that auto parts such as the tires, brakes, wipers, and heaters are in good operating condition at all times. Car rental companies and auto parts manufacturers offer some sort of advice on autumn driving. Among these tips are the following:

• Keep your windscreen clean. Driving at sunrise or sunset can cause serious driver vision problems, due to the high amount of dazzle. By making sure they keep windscreens clean, drivers can minimize the amount of dazzle they experience from low sun light. When driving into the sun, always be aware that drivers behind you may not be able to see your brake lights immediately so take steps to ensure there is safe distance between vehicles. When there is a low sun behind you, remember that this may be dazzling drivers of vehicles in oncoming traffic.

• Use your head lights. In poor visibility conditions, remember to use dipped head lights so that other road users can see you. As the days become shorter and darkness descends earlier in the evening, check if your head lights are switched on. If necessary, take extra time to familiarize yourself with driving in the dark by practicing in your local area before traveling to holiday destinations.

• Use your fog lights only when necessary. Only use your rear fog lights in extreme weather conditions and remember to switch them off as soon as the weather allows. Front fog lights should only be used in thick fog. If you use your fog lights inappropriately, this can cause vision problems for other drivers, resulting from the additional glare. This can cause car collision.

• Adjust your speed and stopping distances for wet surfaces. Many drivers forget to adjust the stopping distance required when the roads become wet. The problem is often made worse in the autumn by wet leaves falling on the road surface, and it’s therefore crucial to safely practice emergency stops before long journeys. This will help you to get used to how your car behaves in autumn driving conditions.

• Have your technician inspect the brakes for damage and evaluate engine performance problems. Common indicators of faulty brake pads include excessive grinding, squealing and screeching. On the other hand, signs of engine problems are difficult start-ups, high idling and periodic stalling.

• Clean your vehicle regularly. Washing off dirt accumulated in your vehicle during the summer journeys can keep it looking great and new.

• Be careful not to park where leaves collect. Wet leaves can be slippery, but dry leaves beneath your car can be ignited by heat from the exhaust system.

If your vehicle seems to be unfit for autumn driving, renting a car can be a good solution. Hiring a car provides you the peace of mind as you don’t have to worry about your vehicle’s getting wreaked by autumn conditions.

These are just some of the things you can do to ensure that your vehicle works as optimally as possible, as well as to secure your passenger’s safety. Happy autumn driving!

Giving your Car a Sporty Look

Do you want to enhance the aesthetic look of your car? Want it to pull on a sporty and polished appearance? Of course, the car speaks a lot about its owner so naturally you like it to look more appealing. Good thing, there are several ways that can be done to improve your car’s appearance.

To dress up your car, the first thing that you should bear in mind is deciding what setup to do to the car. With numerous car products to choose from, I deem it best that you exercise caution when picking the car accessories to use.

Car enthusiasts in general give utmost attention to the wheels first when dressing up the car. Replacing the wheels with custom-made ones must take into consideration not just the looks, but also the functionality. It is because wheels and tires also improve a car’s handling and performance. The next step will be choosing between tall wheels and short ones. Bigger wheels are more attention-grabbing and can substantially increase the look of a car. On the other hand, smaller wheels can give your car that vintage or retro look.

One of the less expensive but creative ways to change the look of your car is to apply sticker designs on the car hood or the other parts of the auto’s body. Sticker designs vary from popular performance parts logos of auto manufacturers as well as those designed for rally and Indy races. If you can create your own stickers, it is important to get consent for copying a design as it may be copyrighted. If you wish to put stickers on the hood, choose the kind that will not be ruined by the heat of the engine. Metallic foil stickers are ideal for use on car hoods.

You can also use lowering kits to give your car an aggressive and sporty appearance. Lowering your car entails making your car more stable during turns. Having a lower ride means improved vehicle handling.

Choosing a Car from a Leasing Company

 

A couple of years back, since I didn’t have enough money to buy a car on a cash basis, I would be taking one from a leasing company. At first, I didn’t have enough knowledge on the basis of choosing the good. But on the following times, I have learned about the basic factors.

Basically, one should not be focusing on the price, popularity or discount offered by the leasing company. Personally the best things I look forward to on having a car for daily use is that it meets my needs. Convenience and safety also contributes in the car’s characteristic of being ideal.

Recently, I get to know more precise information of how one should be picking a car from a leasing company. These are what I found from haaretz.com:

• We should be aware that leasing company salesman could probably give us inadequate history of the car. Sometimes, tune-ups and scheduled maintenance would not be the full history. It is their strategy to save on costs. That is which wherein they carry out routine tune-ups at their own garages or those that are not authorized by the brand’s importer. Remember: “only work performed at authorized garages carries a warranty”. Make sure you asked for the full service history before signing the purchase contract. It might be a need for you to know the accidents that the car went into. If they don’t be persisting with your demand, you might need to look for another car.

• We have the right to have the car into a pre-purchase inspection. Some leasing companies already provide it, which is good because you save time and money. However, there are instances when inspectors are bribed by the sellers. For that, it is much preferable if you would be the one to take it for inspection. Bring the vehicle to your trusted mechanic and let them tell you their honest thoughts on the car. If the leasing company won’t allow you to do so, don’t waste your time on it - better look for another car.

• If there are a lot of choices available in the lot, it would be a good thing. That is since you have a wide variety to choose from. But again, salesman might play with it. There are cars that give them higher commission, might also be a new model that is about to hit the market. Those are the type of cars they badly want to dispose as soon as possible. Sometimes, they place such cars next to a car of the same model with a terrible condition. That is to underscore its advantages. For that, you might probably think getting what they want you to have. In this case, try to know if similar cars in good condition are about to arrive.

• Not all leased cars are sold by leasing companies. Some are sold by second-hand car traders. Some leasing companies allow trading since the sale of the car is not moving. The point here is that if you are to buy a car owned by a leasing company, don’t do it from a trader. It would be best for you to go to the leasing company lot.

• Don’t look over a car with the one who drove or owned it previously. It doesn’t actually matter as long as the leasing company gave proper tune-ups and maintenance to the car.

• There are times that leasing company gives the cars fixations of its body, dents and paint, which is free of charge. Don’t get blinded with this. You might probably be thinking of no longer asking for discount. Take a look deeper. The quality of the bodywork and paint might be poor. It will just eventually turn a lot uglier a few months later.

I strongly hope these things would get into your thoughts as you need them.