•September 10, 2021 • Comments Off on Your Best Step-by-Step Guide to Selecting the Ideal Used Car
You may already be aware of the benefits of buying a used vehicle – one, it’s more economical than buying new, and it is also a better deal if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of depreciation. But while buying used has its proven merits, how you choose your used car will make a significant impact on whether or not it’s worth it. When you choose right, you can save a lot – and benefit from a car that still works great. On the other hand, choosing wrong can negatively impact your life in the next few years. So how can you make sure that your used car choice is worthwhile? Here’s your best step-by-step guide to selecting the ideal used car.
Step 1: find out the vehicle’s value on the market
Once you have decided to go for a used vehicle, your first and most crucial step is to check out the vehicle’s value. It would be good to have an idea of the car’s estimated value, and for this, you can turn to Edmunds and Kelly Blue Book. You will have to find out the car’s details, like its make and model, mileage, year, and condition. Knowing the value of the car can help you with negotiations, and you will know if the seller is selling it too high or at a reasonable market price.
Step 2: do the inspection
When you have found a car you like, it’s time to inspect it. Its condition will indicate its value, and a well-maintained car will have better value than a run-down car. When you do your inspection, pay attention to the seats (front and rear), the interior, exterior, and smell. For the interior, don’t forget to check the flooring, ceiling, and doors. For the exterior, check the bumpers, trim, and paint. Make sure you inspect the car’s muffler, tires, and lights as well. Do an engine check too – if you find oil on the car’s engine, this could be a sign of leaking (or worse). Cracked hoses may not be a good sign, either, as used car Utah specialists like Young Automotive will confirm.
Step 3: take it for a test drive
Doing a test drive is another necessity, but don’t just drive it for driving’s sake – evaluate various small elements, like the amenities (steering, power seating, windows), the sound system, and the AC and heating. If there are warning lights, ask the dealer or owner about them. When you drive, it also pays to see how the car does in different situations, such as sudden braking or stopping, high and low speeds, and hard turning.
Step 4: have it checked by an experienced mechanic
Once you have done the test drive and are satisfied, you may want to have it checked by an experienced mechanic. Although it may cost you around $100, it’s worth spending this money to be doubly sure. You should also get the history of the vehicle, and you can do this through Carfax. It will tell you if the car is well-maintained, especially if there are regular repairs. But repairs done too often for the same issue could be a bad sign.
When you have assessed all the above and have a better understanding of what to expect, you can begin your negotiations and soon enough, you can drive away with the right used vehicle.
•August 31, 2021 • Comments Off on How long it takes to replace a Windshield
Introduction
As a driver, you have probably asked yourself how long it would take to fix your windshield!
Most times, it is the tasks that look simple that are the most frustrating to do! Tasks such as filling up your tire pressure, or cleaning your tires take up unnecessary time according to most car owners. Most drivers feel the same when it comes to replacing their vehicle’s windshield. They believe that a task that looks that simple takes more time than it should!
But really, how long can replacing a car windshield take? In this article, we provide the answer to that question. We also give you information on the factors that affect the time it takes. And, we tell you why you should replace it.
Why do you need to replace/repair your broken windshield?
Imagine driving around while it’s raining with no windshield!
A windshield serves several purposes in a car. It protects a driver and passenger from extreme weather conditions. It also offers protection from debris on the road.
A windshield according to law, is a safety requirement for all vehicles! Because of this, it needs to be safe, strong, and meet all the standards set by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
There are reasons why you should have your windshield replaced. A cracked windscreen can lead to:
You should replace your broken windshield to protect yourself and your passengers.
Impaired Vision
Think of a person trying to see using cracked spectacles.
That is what it’s like driving behind a cracked/chipped windshield. A crack on the windshield can be a source of distraction to the driver, which ultimately will compromise the safety of both himself and his passengers.
Ejection from the vehicle
The windshield acts as a protection layer in case of an accident! The glass used to make a windshield should be strong to serve its purpose. In case of an accident, the windshield acts as a secondary layer of defense after your seatbelt. It should protect you from being thrown out of the vehicle! It should also protect you from being hit by foreign objects from outside.
If the windshield has damage of any kind, then it cannot be structurally strong enough to offer maximum protection in case of a collision/accident.
Airbag malfunctioning
For an airbag to perform efficiently in an accident, it needs a windshield that is not damaged. The windshield pushes the airbag towards the passenger. If the windshield is damaged, it may fail to deploy the airbag towards the passenger. Instead, it could deploy outwards!
After a collision, it is important to check on the health of your airbag system. You do this regardless of the severity of the accident. Check whether the airbag light is on. To ascertain the health of your airbag system, use an airbag scanner to check for any possible errors.
When do you need to get your windshield replaced?
Multiple factors determine the urgency by which to replace a windshield. If any of these apply, you should replace your windshield:
It has an old crack/chip that is irreparable.
The windshield has several cracks.
If the position of the crack jeopardizes the visibility or safety of the vehicle.
When the crack/chip is larger than a dollar bill.
How long does it take to replace a windshield?
Most people put off replacing their windshields because they think it takes a lot of time. It’s not true! Under the right conditions, replacing a windshield is an easy task that takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
However, it is impossible to be exact on the amount of time it takes to replace a windshield. This is because there are factors that influence the time it takes.
These are some common factors that influence the windshield replacement procedure
The factors are:
Temperature and humidity
These two play a huge role in the length of time it takes to complete the installation of a windshield. When it is cold, it takes longer for the glue to dry and so, it takes longer for the installation to be considered complete. The same applies when there is high humidity! For this, it also takes longer for the glue to harden.
The make and model of the car
The make and model of a car is a major factor in the time it takes to replace a windshield. Different car models, especially newer car makes come with sensors such as temperature sensors attached to the windshield. For different cars, wiper configurations can be different. This makes it a bit more complicated to remove and then reattach a windshield. If your car has such sensors, we recommend that you take your car to a professional! A technician who is experienced enough to deal with windshield replacement and repair.
The type of adhesive used
The type of glue and adhesive used in windshield replacement is also important. To take less time, you need an adhesive that hardens quickly and is strong enough. Most technicians use Urethane windshield adhesive which is one of the best in the market.
Number of customers
People are usually loyal to a certain garage or mechanic. Most garages offer more services other than windshield replacement and repair. There is always the possibility that you will be one among a few, or many customers waiting to be served. If you find a long queue of people, you may have to wait a bit longer before it is finally your turn. As such, it is advisable to either book or arrive at a garage earlier than others.
Availability of parts
Windshields are very fragile! And garages have a lot of activities going on. Tools used around a garage could cause easy damage to the glass.
For this reason, many garages opt against keeping windshields in-house. Instead, preferring to call suppliers or sellers when they are needed.
With windshields, it is better to pre-order based on the model and make of your car. As parts are sourced, you may have to wait a bit before it is your turn.
Number of staff
Installing a windshield is more of a two-person job than it is one. If you go to a well-staffed, experienced auto repair shop, this job may take a maximum of an hour. However, should you go to an understaffed auto shop, you may end up taking a couple of hours.
It is better to book an appointment so that your service can be planned for and worked on per schedule.
What you should do after getting your windshield replaced
After getting your windshield replaced or repaired, your technician should tell you the right time to start driving. This ensures the success of the installation.
The adhesive needs time to dry before you can drive off. Failure to do this could compromise the integrity of your windshield and your safety as a driver.
Below are certain things you should adhere to:
Do not exert unnecessary pressure on the windshield.
Take some time before visiting a car wash or contact with water.
Give the car about 60 minutes before starting to drive.
Do not remove the retention tape on the windshield unless under the advice of your technician.
Conclusion
Getting your windshield replaced is not a difficult, time-consuming task. For your safety and the safety of your passengers, replace your windshield as soon as its integrity is compromised. It only takes about 30 to 60 minutes for a skilled technician to replace the glass and get you back on the road again!
•August 27, 2021 • Comments Off on Owning a Classic Car – the Pros and Cons
For many motoring enthusiasts, the ultimate buzz is owning a unique or classic car. Capturing the days of thunder with a fine example of old American iron or a muscle car is the dream of many.
For those who aspire to ownership of a popular classic like a mid-60’s Mustang or Dodge Charger, or something rarer like a Chevy Chevelle or Camaro, here are some of the pros and cons of owning and maintaining a classic.
A sense of uniqueness
In a world rapidly becoming mass produced and functional, many classic car owners speak of a sense of uniqueness. Owning and driving a scarce or rare example of a car from a bygone era when more emphasis was placed on beautiful lines and big power plants is a breath of fresh air to many.
Owning a classic also brings with it a sense of inclusion in an exclusive club and a glance at my favorite car club in San Diego highlights that communal spirit.
The drive and handling
Generally an older classic car doesn’t drive like a modern production car. The days of massive torque and leaf spring suspension meant a driver really had to know how to handle a car. For cars pre-dating ABS braking and power steering, this often means a classic ride is less forgiving of mistakes by the driver.
This could be arguably seen by some as a con, however, for motoring purists it is definitely a pro, and it conjures the days when a driver was just that – a skilled operator steering and managing the beast.
Maintenance and basic mechanics
Surprisingly, many people find that an older car is easier to work on. Once a car has undergone restoration work, it is often easy for an owner with some basic mechanic knowledge to carry out minor maintenance tasks. Remember these vehicles hail from the days of basic systems, and without the complexity those more basic tasks are easier to accomplish.
With a good network of parts suppliers and mechanical support for the bigger tasks, ongoing maintenance and upkeep can be relatively inexpensive.
Not eco-friendly
Generally speaking, the popular classic car cohort existed in the glory days long before the term ‘eco-friendly’ existed! As such, a vintage or classic car is typically far less environmentally friendly than it’s modern-day counterparts.
Lower gas mileage and higher emissions may be the order of the day here. Furthermore, things like seals, gaskets and bolts really need attention to ensure leakage is prevented.
General safety
The lack of complexity with mechanical systems also extends to general safety features with an older car. A classic car will typically pre-date safety innovations like airbags, anti-lock braking systems and all round disc brakes. Coupled with more basic suspension and steering systems, an older classic car is generally less safe than modern vehicles.
Interior comfort with some older cars is also quite Spartan, with basic heating and air conditioning systems.
To wrap up
Perhaps the sheer numbers of rare and unique classic and muscle cars still seen on the highways stand testament to the fact that very often the pros far outweigh the cons for the motoring purist.
•August 25, 2021 • Comments Off on How to Choose a New Family Car
Need to buy a new family car? It is a big decision when the time comes to buy a new car as it is a lot of money to spend and there are so many options available. For parents, you need to find a car that will be reliable and fit in with your lifestyle. This is a vehicle that you are likely to use every day for the school run, commuting to work, going food shopping, and ferrying the kids around, so how can you find the right car for your particular needs? Keep reading to discover the main steps that you will need to take.
Establish Your Budget
First, you want to work out how much you are able to afford. You can arrange a finance deal to make the cost of the vehicle itself easier to manage, but make sure that you remember to factor in the running costs. This will include the insurance, road tax, fuel, and maintenance costs. Once you know how much you can afford, you can then start to look at different vehicles.
Establish Your Needs
Next, you will want to establish your needs from the car. You need to think about how many people you will need to be able to transport (and if you plan on adding to your family anytime soon), the kind of trips that you will be taking, if you have a dog, storage needs, and any other requirements that you have. Once you have a list of your needs, this should give you an idea of a category of car or two, which will make it much easier to filter your results.
Research Options and Use AI Tool
Now you will want to find a few suitable models that tick all of the boxes. You can do this by researching suitable categories of cars online and seeing what models are reviewed well, but also with the use of an AI tool like Divicars where you can find the best-rated vehicles by entering relevant search terms, such as “spacious family car”. This can make it quick and easy to filter your results and find suitable cars for your needs.
Arrange a Test Drive
Once you have found a car model or two, you should always schedule a viewing and a test drive. You can find helpful information online for how to inspect a car both inside and out, and you might also find it helpful to bring someone else along for an extra set of eyes. On the test drive, you should put the car through its paces while ensuring that it is comfortable to drive and will be suitable for your family’s needs.
These are the main steps you will need to take to find the right family car for your needs. This is a major decision to make and not just because it is a lot of money to spend. You need to find a car that will be a good fit for your family’s lifestyle and be a car that you know that you can rely on each day.
•August 4, 2021 • Comments Off on 3 Reasons You Should Probably Junk Your Car
If you’re like most car owners, you’ve probably become attached to your car over the years. It’s the only vehicle that feels natural to handle. It’s the ride that you’ve made tons of memories in.
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. At a certain point, your car no longer serves its purpose. When that time comes, it’s often best to junk your car.
Junking your car is not a decision to make lightly. Most people only choose to do it when they can’t find any buyers for their car. If you’re wondering, “Should I junk my car,” consider these three factors.
1. How Does Your Car Look?
Your local junkyard for cars usually has many different kinds of vehicles in its possession. As you walk through, you’ll see sports cars, sedans, SUVs, pick-ups, and more. If there’s anything they have in common, it’s probably an unappealing look.
If your car has severe discoloration, missing features, or damage from an accident, junking your car may be the best option. Looks matter to prospective buyers. When they buy a new vehicle, they want it to look sleek and fresh.
If your car features these symptoms, it’s likely far from “sleek and fresh.” Instead, consider junking your car and collecting money from the parts.
2. Does the Vehicle Have Extensive Damage?
In many cases, car owners can afford to repair their vehicular damages. Sometimes, though, the damage compounds too much for owners to justify making repairs.
Imagine you’ve had your vehicle for thirteen years, and it just got into an accident. When you take the car into the shop, you learn it also has engine problems.
Those engine problems are compromising your fuel efficiency. Furthermore, the engine is also misfiring in multiple cylinders.
In a situation like this, it’s hardly worth it for the owner to pay for all the necessary repairs. At this point, the repairs probably cost more than the car is worth!
At times like this, prospective buyers likely aren’t interested in spending a few thousand dollars on a car that needs extensive repairs. In such situations, selling cars as clunkers is probably the most cost-effective solution to the problem.
3. Your Vehicle Stopped Running
If your vehicle completely dies, that’s often the best sign that you should junk your car. If you can’t start the engine, jump it off, or achieve any sign of life, it’s time to give up. At this stage, your car has reached the end of its life cycle.
Why let a dead vehicle take up space in your driveway? Instead, search “how to junk my car” and make some money to buy a new vehicle. The chances you sell a dead automobile to other buyers are close to nil.
Consider Junking Your Car Today
If your car suffers from the issues in this guide, it’s best to junk your car. This way, you can make a quick sale and use the money to buy a new vehicle.
We hope you enjoyed this article. If so, check out our other content today.
•August 2, 2021 • Comments Off on Replacing Your Car Radiator – A Step By Step Guide
A car radiator is a vital component of the vehicle that removes the heat from the engine, thereby keeping it cool. The heat from the engine is removed via thermal heat exchange and then transferred to the coolant where it gets circulated through a thermostat and the radiator.
Over time, your car may start showing some signs and symptoms of a damaged radiator. While you can get the radiator repaired in some instances, others may call for the car radiator replacement. Here are the warning signs that suggest that your car radiator needs to be replaced at the earliest:
If you notice the steam billowing from under the hood when it is in motion, it means that the engine of your car is heating and the radiator is not working well to suppress it. This situation calls for replacement.
You need to replace the car radiator when the temperature gauge constantly indicates the high temperature of the engine.
The accumulation of rust is another warning sign of a damaged car radiator that needs a quick replacement.
The formation of brown debris within the radiator also suggests that the car radiator needs a replacement.
Do not worry if you are unable to locate your nearby mechanic to replace the radiator. The following step-by-step guide will help you in changing the radiator:
Step 1:
Locate the drain plug of the radiator. It is situated near the lowest point of this machine. Open it and drain the coolant present inside it.
Step 2:
Remove the hoses attached to the radiator by loosening the clamps from the attachment area. We also recommend you pull out the auxiliary belts from the pulleys of the radiator. Now, remove the cooling fan and radiator shroud from the radiator. Remove the remaining bolts, clips, mounting screws, and other things. Do not misplace them and keep them in one location so that it becomes easier for you to later attach them in the right order.
Step 3:
Lift the radiator from the engine. There may be some remaining coolant inside the radiator. Ensure to use a catch basin while removing the radiator from the engine.
Step 4:
Keep your new car radiator ready, and make sure to place it in the right position, exactly where the previous radiator was placed. In the meantime, you can clean the area where the new radiator has to be installed. Do not disturb the remaining machinery while performing the cleaning process.
Step 5:
Replace all the other accessories with the new one – bolts, screws, clips, and others. If the previous accessories are in a good condition, you can use them to fix the car radiator in place.
Step 6:
Reinstall the cooling fan and shroud, and reattach all the cooling hoses. While performing this step, ensure that the accessories are attached properly, but avoid tightening them too much. It is because cooling hoses are prone to becoming brittle with age. If the existing cooling hoses are showing any sign of aging, replace them with new ones.
Step 7:
Reinstall the auxiliary belts in order by sliding them back over the pulleys and then adjusting them accordingly using nuts and bolts.
Step 8:
Mix the coolant with distilled water. Make sure the proportion of water with coolant is right. Pour it properly without spilling. Start the vehicle and let it run to check the circulation of the coolant. Add some more, if needful.
Step 9:
Locate a bleed valve and open it with a wrench to bleed the air into the radiator and check it for bubbles. When the bubbles stop forming, know that your coolant is at the proper temperature.
Takeaway:
Car radiator replacement should be taken seriously to avoid any further damage to the engine of your vehicle. The above-listed instructions will help you perform the procedure aptly.
•July 22, 2021 • Comments Off on Five Reasons the 2022 Honda Odyssey Captures the Flag, Again
There’s an old game called Capture the Flag. If you can get the flag, you are king of the hill. It seems like the Honda Odyssey has been playing this game with other minivans and capturing the flag year after year from automotive journalists and minivan buyers. What about this year?
The Odyssey has strong competition from the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica. There are Kia and Dodge competitors as well. Of course, it also must compete with the three-row SUVs of every brand, including its own.
To climb to the top of the hill and capture the flag, it’s got to do everything right in five key categories. Can it do it?
Spaciousness
Many three-row SUVs look bigger on the outside than they are on the inside. Many others have tiny third rows. The Odyssey claims remarkable spaciousness with second row seating that has almost as much legroom as the front seat. Then the third third row has enough legroom that teenagers and adults can handle some time back there.
The middle-row Super Mode pushes the seats to one side for easier access. In Buddy Mode, the two seats can be secured together leaving room on either side. The second-row middle seat, when included, is big enough for a car seat. That allows up to three babies and toddlers on the middle row, closer to Mom and Dad.
Cargo Capacity
If you look at how the cargo hold is configured in most SUVs and minivans, there’s not enough space for luggage for those 6, 7 or 8 family members. That’s a big drawback. The 2022 Honda Odyssey manages to have almost 40 cubic feet with all seats upright and in use. That’s about the same size as the Honda CR-V although the space is more vertical than horizontal.
Convenience
A minivan generally manages a few more conveniences than its SUV rivals. Honda figured this out years ago and still offers its vacuum system. It also offers a camera system that lets Mom watch the kids on the back row. It lets Dad speak to the kids without raising his voice thanks to a microphone system.
Driver Friendly
A minivan is sometimes saddled with a bad reputation for how it treats the driver. The Odyssey challenges that with a 280-horsepower engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Parents have plenty of power to deal with tough highway situations.
Driver assistance systems provide a touch of automation as well as helpful warnings. The parent driver can feel a bit more relaxed when there’s a blind spot monitor, lane assistance, road departure assistance, and automatic forward braking ready to help out.
Pricing
The Odyssey manages to provide seating for up to 8 in a price range that is more affordable than many of its SUV competitors. Obviously that appeals to parents who are already stretching their dollars to the limit.
With all this in mind, it seems the 2022 Honda Odyssey is poised to continue its position as a favorite among parents.
•June 28, 2021 • Comments Off on New To Motocross? Know These Injuries To Avoid Them!
If you are into Motocross, you must have been injured at least once in your riding history.
Motocross puts your body under extreme stress and also leads to fatal injuries during crashes. The majority of the injuries occur during racing events.
Moreover, injuries during ‘big air’ stunts and tricks have become more frequent since the advancement of Freestyle Motocross.
Among the list of fatalities in Motocross accidents, spinal cord injuries and casualties among riders top the list. Though these injuries can happen to any part of the body, they are more common in the upper limbs than the lower limbs.
To help you be aware of the various injuries, we have compiled a list of the most common ones that you may encounter.
Have a look.
Collar Bone Fracture
This is one of the most common injuries in Motocross. Collarbone fracture’s major cause is the instinct of putting your hand to break your fall. Due to the speed at which you fall and hit the ground, your arms experience a significant impact of force which causes the collarbone to break.
Most of the collarbone fractures heal in around 4-8 weeks by wearing a sling. You might need surgery if the injury is complex.
Make sure you avoid harsh braking and avoid being thrown out. Avoiding such crashes will help keep your collarbone in one piece.
Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder dislocations are the next most common injuries that happen to dirt bikers after collarbone fractures. To heal them, you can start rehabilitation therapy after you no longer have shoulder pain. Rehabilitation therapy can last from 2 weeks to 3-4 months.
You can avoid such injuries by avoiding falls (easier said than done). Avoiding falls can be possible only with ample practice and vigilance while riding. Also, wearing proper motocross gear like a neck brace and shoulder support will help minimise the impact of crashes (should they happen).
Wrist Fracture
A wrist fracture is another common injury type that frequently happens on the motocross tracks. During an accident, you may brace your arm to save yourself from falling, leading to a wrist fracture. Even a minor wrist injury is painful because the wrist has a very complex muscle structure. Moreover, healing a wrist fracture can be difficult if the bone breaks into multiple pieces.
A severe fracture or sprain will require considerable rest to heal. Surgery may be necessary if realignment of the bones is required. An injured arm will need to be in a cast regardless of whether surgery is performed. Physical therapy will help you regain wrist mobility once the doctor removes the cast.
Splinting of the wrist is also advised to prevent injury.
Ankle Injuries
An ankle is also a complex structure like the wrist and shoulder. So you are equally prone to getting an ankle injury during the fall.
An ankle fracture can be caused by falling from the bike or by colliding with neighbouring riders. If you have an ankle fracture, it might need realignment or surgery to heal completely.
Following the surgery, your ankle needs to be cast for 6 to 12 weeks. After casting, you need to undergo physiotherapy regularly to regain movement and strength.
You are advised to wear correct protective clothing to support your ankles. You are also advised to wear an ankle brace to provide additional protection.
Final Word
If you are a Motocross rider, you have to be always prepared for crashes as there is no certainty on the tracks. You could have various injuries, including fractures (wrist, collarbone, ankle) and ACL tear.
To minimise these, you must ensure proper preventative measures discussed in this article.
We hope these tips will help you prevent injuries while being a motocross riding newbie!
•March 23, 2021 • Comments Off on How to Start a Vehicle Recovery Company
If you love cars and want to launch a company that taps into this passion, a vehicle recovery company might be a smart business venture. As millions of vehicles will breakdown or experience accidents each year, your business could generate a substantial annual profit.
If you are unsure how to get started, read these top tips on how to start a vehicle recovery company.
Seek Financial Investment
A vehicle recovery business will require much heavy-duty equipment. Unless you have a considerable amount of money in the bank, you will need to seek investment to purchase trucks, parts, and accessories. For example, you could apply for a bank loan or secure the money from a private investor.
Write a Business Plan
If you want a bank or investor to take you seriously, you must write a compelling business plan. It will not only breakdown how much money you will need to get started, but it should cover your company’s:
A business plan can help an investor make an informed decision on your company. Plus, you can use it as a helpful guide for launching your new venture.
Find a Reliable Fleet
Your customers are relying on your trucks to rescue them from the roadside. For this reason, you must secure a reliable vehicle fleet to ensure your drivers arrive on schedule. Do your homework to find an honest, dependable fleet vehicle provider. It will prevent your trucks from breaking down on the way to a customer.
Choose the Right Insurance
Don’t underestimate the importance of different insurance options when starting a vehicle recovery business. Your trucks will be on the road all day, and they will likely hook up or lift vehicles to tow them to a garage. Despite your driver’s exceptional driving and recovery skills, accidents can occur.
For this reason, you must research the best recovery truck insurance options to protect your business. Also, you would be wise to take out professional indemnity insurance and public liability insurance.
Install Beacon Lights
Safety must be your vehicle recovery company’s main priority. As you will need to rescue drivers from a highway or attend accident scenes to recover vehicles, you must warn other drivers of your presence on the road.
To do so, you must install beacon lights onto a fleet of vehicles, as they can attract attention and serve as a warning sign. Most recovery vehicles tend to feature multi-use Britax beacons to highlight different hazards.
An Exceptional Customer Service
Set your vehicle recovery business apart from its rivals by striving to provide an exceptional customer service experience. As most customers will feel distressed, upset, or angry at the roadside, a compassionate driver could lift their mood and take some of the stress out of the experience. Hire drivers who have exceptional communication and social skills. It could help your business generate positive word of mouth and earn many loyal customers.
•February 16, 2021 • Comments Off on Fix Your Car Or Trade It: How to Decide
You have noticed that your car repair bills are beginning to go up. Should you trade your car? How can you get the most for your automotive dollar? You don’t want to throw good money at a car that won’t be around in a year. On the other hand, you don’t want to trade a car that has lots of life left.
What are the markers of a car’s lifespan? You’ll need to know that in order to decide when to trade it at the right time. For that matter, how should you define the optimal moment when a car should be traded?
Perfect Timing
For some, a car’s life span is the end of its warranty. The average warranty period expires at five years. A few brands push that to six years. A small number of manufacturers cover the powertrain for up to 100,000 or ten years. If you drive 10,000 a year, you’ll make it to ten years. However, it must be said that most of us drive 15,000 miles a year or more.
After the warranty expires, the waiting and watching begins. You need to be vigilant about maintenance to extend the car’s life and make sure that small issues don’t turn into expensive repairs.
You are looking for the optimal moment to trade your vehicle before you waste money on repairs that you could have foreseen. Your regular mechanic should be involved with helping you make a decision about when to trade. If you want good car repair advice, you need to settle on a good shop and stick with it. Shopping around for deals may save a little money, but you will miss out on a good mechanic’s expertise.
Admitting that Time is Up
If your repairs bills are so much that they add up to the equivalent of new car payments, then you need to admit that time is up. Even if you aren’t facing a huge repair, you may be looking at some big car expenses such as new tires. That’s a car payment right there. If your car just has six months or a year of good health, you should trade it instead of getting new tires and major maintenance.
A light on the dash may be a sign that time is up. It may signal that the car is about to have a major issue. At that point, it may be worth having the light turned off and just trading the car as is. You don’t want to plunk down $1,000s on a new transmission. That money is better spent as a downpayment on something new.
A strange noise may signal a problem with your suspension. A funny smell may be letting you know that the exhaust system is breaking or the engine is getting too close to a breakdown. In either scenario, you can admit time is up and trade your car. You’ll get some good money for it, and you can use that toward a down payment.
You need to stay ready for a sign that your car is going to turn into a money pit. As soon as you or your mechanic recognizes the clues, you should trade right away. You’ll have less stress about break downs, and you’ll spend your automotive dollars on a sure thing.
Motoring Con Brio 