Online Diary of AlRitch: Cars & Driving

Showing posts with label Cars & Driving. Show all posts

November 07, 2018

Driving Tips for Senior Drivers

senior drivers, veteran vehicle, retirees

Whether you have elderly parents or are getting up there in age yourself, it’s vital that senior drivers evaluate their habits behind the wheel, as well as their health, for the safety of everyone on the road. Driving tips designed specifically with elderly motorists in mind go a long way in providing peace of mind and making elderly individuals feel confident in their ability to keep driving.

Work With a Physician

Aging motorists who are still able to drive themselves to their doctor’s appointments should ask if they have any health concerns or complications that may make it hard for them to operate a motor vehicle. Joint pain can make it hard to maneuver a steering wheel and use mirrors while behind the wheel. Motorists who don’t have as much energy as they used to may be better off limiting themselves to short trips, and the stress of traffic and certain driving conditions can make existing health conditions worse.

Acknowledge and Respect Limitations

Senior drivers and those who plan to get a car before retirement have to acknowledge the fact that they aren’t as young and physically capable as they once were. There comes a point where reaction times start to slow, vision starts to go bad and driving becomes a hassle. For that reason, elderly motorists who notice they don’t drive as well as they used to should increase their braking distance, brake earlier when approaching red lights and stop signs, and avoid driving in high-traffic areas even more than they did when they were younger.

Have Your Hearing and Vision Regularly Checked

Speaking of limitations, senior motorists should keep up with their vision and hearing tests to determine whether they still have the eyesight and hearing capabilities necessary to be safe drivers. Those who have already been diagnosed with vision or hearing complications should be sure they always have their contacts, glasses, hearing aids and the like with them when they drive. Those with poor hearing should keep noise, music, and conversation inside the car to a minimum so they can hear emergency vehicles, other automobiles and car horns.

Read Medication Labels

Senior citizens who are on medication and also drive should give their labels a thorough read through to ensure they can operate a motor vehicle while taking their prescription. Taking this a step further, even if the label doesn’t specifically mention any restrictions on driving, elderly individuals should closely monitor their condition while behind the wheel and alert their physicians if they feel the medication could be compromising their ability to drive.

Consider Taking a Senior Driving Course

After driving for several decades, one can start to neglect some of the basics of good driving. It’s a great idea for elderly motorists to enroll in a senior driving course for a refresher, and so they can have someone evaluate their driving ability to let them know if they can keep driving. Just as there are new distractions for drivers, there may be new driving rules or trends that older motorists aren’t aware of but need to be if they’re going to keep driving.

There are more alternatives than ever for those who don’t own a car, can’t drive or shouldn’t drive. Even if they can still operate a vehicle now, senior drivers should start looking into transportation alternatives to make a smooth transition from driver to passenger and pedestrian.

October 08, 2018

The Complete Guide To Fleet Management

by AlRitch, in Money and Business

If you are in charge of managing a fleet at your business, it is of huge importance that you are able to do so efficiently. You need to be efficient in every sense of the word - from the amount of petrol you use to the costs associated with running your fleet. With that being said, read on to discover more about the most critical elements.

Reducing your extensive vehicle emissions

Reducing the emissions that your vehicle gives off is pivotal for everybody who drives. Nevertheless, it takes on greater importance when associated with businesses. After all, a lot of companies use heavy-duty vehicles and are driving regularly on a daily basis. Therefore, reducing CO2 emissions is pivotal. As a business owner, you need to do your bit to protect the land, keep your consumers happy, and showcase that you are a credible and a deservedly well-respected company.

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There are many ways you can do your part in order to reduce your vehicle emissions as much as possible. This ranges from simple efficiency ideas – such as being mindful regarding where you park, to more elaborate suggestions – such as implementing an effective vehicle tracking system.

Let’s deal with the former first; parking. Every 10 minutes it is believed that five pounds of CO2 are emitted because people are spending their time dawdling around looking for the cheapest and best-situated parking space. As a business, you don’t have time to waste, fuel to burn, or money to spend – make sure your employees are clued up on efficient driving and parking.

In addition to this, if your fleet is dropping off products to customers who have ordered goods, then make sure that your employees actually turn off their engine. A monumental number of workers arrive at the destination, hop out the car, get the parcel, wait at the front door while the individual answers and signs for the package, all the while their engine is running and unnecessary CO2 is being emitted into the air.

Using a vehicle tracking system is highly recommended. This can provide you with all of the information needed in order to reduce vehicle emissions across the board. The system will be able to flag up drivers who are speed, take the long route to get somewhere, and so on and so forth. This information is pivotal because these are all incidents whereby excess CO2 is being released into the air. Therefore, you can ensure that you keep on top of all this and that you are being as environmentally friendly as you possibly can. Moreover, a fleet management system will be able to provide you with emission-reducing methods that you wouldn’t have even thought were possible if trying to seek them yourself.

You can also be efficient in other areas of your transportation operation which will then have the knock-on effects of making sure that you are not emitting too much CO2. For example, by taking five minutes of every day to determine where you need to go and what is the best way to get there, you can reduce CO2 emissions monumentally. You will be able to map out the most effective routes of going to these places without having to go back on yourself. This will reduce journey time, reduce costs, and reduce emissions. You should also make the most of truck hire to supplement busy periods, rather than running more vehicles than required, as this will cost more money and have a greater impact on the environment too.

Underestimating the need to be as efficient as possible with fuel consumption would be vastly inadvisable. You need to ensure you are operating effectively, efficiently, and environmentally friendly, and the methods in this article will help you to do so.

The ins and outs of commercial vehicle tracking

Commercial vehicle tracking systems are flourishing at the moment. A vast number of businesses around the world are choosing to implement one of the many fleet management systems available, and they are certainly reaping the rewards. If you are yet to have selected a vehicle tracking system, then what are you waiting for? Read on to discover all of the essential information you need to know before proceeding to unlock a key service that is guaranteed to see your business efficiency boom significantly.

Vehicle tracking offers more than a simple tracking feature

A lot of people hear the term “vehicle tracking” and they assume that this simply means a software that can tell you where all of your fleet is. Of course, that is a feature entailed, but fleet tracking systems provide a lot more than that. You will be able to unearth the most efficient routes, determine fuel efficiency levels, monitor CO2 emissions, decipher heavy traffic areas, and so and so forth. All of these aspects combine together in order to guarantee that you can operate your transportation links to the most efficient level possible; keeping your customers happy, your costs low, and your service effective.

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The proof is in the numbers

Whilst vehicle tracking has soared in popularity over the last few years or so in particular, it has still been implemented for more than long enough to deduce key statistics and data. With regards to cost efficiency, it has been revealed that there are several areas whereby vehicle tracking can lead to the lowering of outgoings. Surveys and data collections showcase that cost efficiencies occur within fuel usage, communications overheads, and overtime claims. Moreover, most businesses that utilise vehicle tracking report of positive knock-on effects that they have experienced as a result. When buying any product or service, or when it comes to making a business decision as a whole, it is essential that you evaluate all areas. You need to be certain that you are going for something that has a good reputation amongst those who have used it already. This gives you the confidence and assurance needed to proceed. Vehicle tracking certainly has that.

And finally, a little word regarding the law...

As a business owner or a fleet manager it can be very tempting to install commercial vehicle tracking systems without giving any knowledge to your drivers. After all, surely this is the most effective way in order to determine whether they are working as they should be or not, right? Wrong! You need to make sure that all of your drivers know that their vehicles are being tracked; this is something that is highly important. Therefore, when it comes to installing your tracking software, it is crucial that you tell your drivers about the software used and its capacity. You may actually find that your workers reach optimum productivity levels simply by knowing that they are being monitored.

Finding the best fleet van insurance deals

You will also need to have a good insurance policy in place as a fleet manager.The first thing that you obviously need to factor in is the price of the insurance policy. Every individual and every business has their own unique financial situation. Therefore this is something which can only be decided by you. Nevertheless, it is advisable to sit down and analyse your finances in order to determine how much you can afford to pay on insurance on a monthly or yearly basis. Make sure that you stick to this budget!

A lot of people tend to pick fleet insurance because it is a lot cheaper. However remember, it is still beneficial to search around as this can help you to find the very best deals. You may also find it helpful to utilise the service of an online price comparison website in order to view all the policies you are considering on one page.

Aside from price you obviously need to think about what sort of cover you require from your policy. This is something which goes hand in hand with the price because in general, the more aspects covered – the higher the policy payments. You should sit down and think about what you truly need and what on the other hand you could do without.

In addition to this, you also need to make sure that you take out your insurance policy from a top quality insurance company. You should search the name of the company that you are considering online in order to discover whether they have a good reputation or not. You will be able to tell this by seeing what previous customers have said about their experience and whether they thought that the policy they took out was a good one or not.

So there you have it: everything you need to know about fleet management and what you can do to boost the efficiency of your fleet.

September 10, 2018

3 Reasons You Shouldn't Drive A Car In A Busy City

by AlRitch, in Cars & Driving

Driving is one of life's best conveniences. There’s no need to depend on anyone else if you need to get from A to B - and maybe even to C after that - then having a car is more than useful.

Having said that, there are definitely times where you may regret getting in your car for a drive. One of the most common examples is driving in a busy city. I don’t think they’re fit for cars, and here’s why:

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Much Harder To Get Around

I think the main disadvantage of driving in the city is that it's just generally harder to get around. A lot of major cities are aiming to reduce the number of cars on their roads as it causes way too much congestion. This basically means you’ll be stuck in traffic for ages trying to get around. Instead, most cities are now trying to build public transport systems that make it so easy to navigate a city that there’s almost no point in owning a car. As it says here https://www.lifehack.org/517515/getting-around-big-city-the-dos-and-donts, subways are usually a very cheap and easy way of getting around. If the city you’re in has one, then it makes sense to use it as it’ll get you from A to B a lot faster than driving.

August 16, 2018

Don’t Let Car Repair Bills Drive You Into Debt

by AlRitch, in Cars & Driving

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Car repairs often aren’t cheap – if you’re tired of having to borrow money to pay for vehicle repairs, why not try some of these methods to help you spend less.

Shop around for repairs

Whilst some car repair centres offer loyalty rates, you should always shop around for quotes from other repair centres just in case. If you know the fault, many technicians will be able to give a quote over the phone. There are also sites that can allow you to compare repair centre costs in your area.

Buy your own parts

If you need a part replaced, it’s possible you may be able to save money by sourcing this part yourself online. Car repair centres often aim to make a profit on any parts they order in. Try to use reputable parts sites and be careful of partially worn used parts – in the case of tires or brake pads you could only get a couple months out of them before having to replace them again.

August 01, 2018

Some Advice For Those Who Want To Own A Classic Vehicle

by AlRitch, in Cars & Driving

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For car enthusiasts, the idea of owning a vintage vehicle is exhilarating. Whether it’s a car that you remember from your childhood or even one that predates your birth, there’s something enchanting about those classic manufacturers and their beautiful cars. Of course, if you want to own one for yourself then you need to know what that entails. You shouldn’t hastily purchase any vehicle, but it’s particularly important not to do so when it comes to older cars. Here’s some advice for any enthusiasts who want to own a classic vehicle.

Get the best deal.

The first step to owning a classic vehicle is actually finding the car you want and buying it, obviously. But you need to get a feel for the marketplace. A lot of sellers know that there are plenty of classic car enthusiasts out there who are willing to part ways with their money. You just need to avoid getting swept up in the excitement of buying a beautiful vintage vehicle because you could end up signing off on an unreasonable deal.

You just need to do your research before committing to a specific buyer. With age, most cars depreciate in value. However, classic cars are usually more expensive because they’re old. You just need to play your cards close to your chest and learn how to haggle with potential sellers to get the best deal. After all, you’re going to need to save some of your money in order to fund the restoration process...

Learn about restoration techniques.

People who buy vintage cars (or any sort of vintage item) are trying to recapture some of the glory of a bygone era. Of course, vintage cars fade as the years go by, so you might have to put a little work into restoring your “new” car if you want it to actually look new again. If you own a black classic vehicle then you might want to check out companies such as Autodeets for plastic restorers. The bodywork of your car can be restored to its former glory with a little bit of work. You also need to keep the bodywork clean so that dirt doesn’t turn into rust.

As for the interior of your car, you might need to put in some work to make it comfortable again. Obviously, there’s a certain beauty to the age of a classic car, but you might not be thinking that when you’re sitting in a worn-out driver’s seat. When it comes to restoring leather seats, for example, you might have to restitch them and use some dye to help them regain their colour. Cleaning the interior is essential too, of course. This initial restoration process is crucial to getting your classic vehicle in good shape. And, as we’ll discuss in this article, maintenance is crucial to keeping your vehicle in good shape.

July 24, 2018

3 Reasons to Buy a Motorcycle

by AlRitch, in Motorcycles

Image via Pixabay

Get your motor running, head on the highway, looking for adventure, and whatever comes our way.

You’ve definitely heard Steppenwolf’s classic song “Born to be Wild” at least a few hundred times in your life, and if you’re like the majority of people out there, you’ve probably got a sense somewhere deep down that motorcycles are just… well, really cool.

Of course, for every image of Marlon Brando looking intense in The Wild One, and every trope of a cool kid racing through town on his slick bike, there’s the less flattering association of a guy having a midlife crisis and upsetting his wife by bringing home a beast of a Harley, or the unfortunate fact that motorcycles are, after all, pretty dangerous.

If, however, you’re willing to deal with the sideways glances from your relatives, and are happy enough to take the risk of riding one of these humbling machines, there are a few pretty compelling reasons why you might want to get Shiply to deliver a motorcycle to your home in the near future.

July 18, 2018

A Year In The Life Of Your Car

by AlRitch, in Cars & Driving

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For most drivers, their vehicle’s maintenance is something that they carry out as when it needs doing. There is nothing wrong with that if that is what you are happy to do, but waiting until the last minute to get stuff done can actually make your car’s maintenance a lot more expensive than you should be. That’s because you will probably only catch problems once they have become big issues and might take quite a bit to fix. That means more work for the mechanic, which will push up your final bill by quite a bit.

There is one way to bring down the cost of your car maintenance and repairs. You just need to stick to a seasonal maintenance schedule and carry out regular checks. After your driving, the thing that will affect your auto the most will be the weather. Driving in extreme temperatures and weather conditions can take a lot out of your car, so it is always best to match your maintenance to the seasons. Doing so will nip any potential problems in the bud very quickly.

So, are you ready to switch to a seasonal maintenance plan for your trusted auto? Here’s a year in the life of your car to give you an idea of what jobs need carrying out and when.

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Spring

Check The Brakes

Your brakes will take a battering through the winter months. When driving on ice and in snowy conditions, you will be braking a lot more than usual, even if you don’t notice that you are doing so. So, once the weather starts to get better and we enter spring, it is a good idea to get your brakes checked out. You should be able to tell if you need to find a mechanic to carry out any work on them. It’s worth taking your car for a slow drive around the neighborhood as this will give you the chance to listen out for any unusual noises, like grinding or high-pitched squeals.

Look At The Windshield Wiper Blades

Just like the brakes, the windshield wiper blades will go through a lot during winter as well. So, it’s a good idea to have a close inspection of them. For instance, all of the salt that is put on roads to prevent them icing over can actually have a corrosive effect on the blades. So, if you notice any corrosion, it’s a good idea to get them replaced.

Clean The Vehicle’s Underbody

All of that salt could also be quite corrosive to your car’s bodywork. Usually, the areas by the front and back bumpers are often the places that are the worst affected. All you need to do is spray them down with a hose to remove any excess salt that is still on them. If you notice any rusting patches, you should paint these with an anti-rust paint. For excessive rust damage, it is always best to take your car to your nearest mechanic for advice.

underbody protection, underbody was, coating

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Clean The Car’s Interior

Most people hate carrying out any outdoor jobs during the winter just because of how cold it can be. So, don’t feel bad about not having got out to clean the car’s interiors over the cold months. Unfortunately, though, that means there is a good chance that your car will now be quite dusty and in need of a good clean out. Don’t fancy doing it yourself? That’s okay, there are plenty of mechanics, such as Telle Tire, that offers valet services. Simply drop your car off with them and they will get inside it and give it a good clear out!

July 10, 2018

Top Safety Tips for New Drivers

by AlRitch, in Cars & Driving

So! You now have your driving license and you may even feel as though the world is at your disposal. Nothing can quite compare to this feeling, but if you do not stay safe then you could have all of this taken away from you. This is the last thing you need, so if you want to avoid this then take a look below.

Look at the Numbers

Teens drive less when compared to other drivers, but the number of accidents they have are way higher. A younger driver is three times more likely to have an accident when compared to an experienced driver. This shouldn’t put you off driving, but it is important that you understand the gravity of the situation and that you know to take your time when on certain aspects of the road.

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Maintain your Car

If you do not maintain your car then you may find that your car breaks down way faster when compared to a car that is maintained. This is the last thing that you need when you have just made one of the biggest purchases of your life. It is always worth investing in a brake bleeder tool and it is also worth taking the time to understand the way that your car works as well. When you are able to do this, you then then start to know when things are going wrong.

May 21, 2018

Are You As Safe On The Road As You Think?

by AlRitch, in Safe Driving

Driving is a huge part of our everyday lives. So much so, that we often tend to see as being on the road as safe. But in reality, it’s not always. The roads can be dangerous. And even when you think that you’re a great driver, the risks may not even be based on your own actions. Because other road users can be the danger. So let’s consider how you can be safe on the roads.

Insurance Options

First of all, it’s going to be in your best interest to get insurance. You know this is a legal requirement, but you should also concentrate on getting the right cover and policy options too. Be sure that you are covered for the things that matter to you the most. Because if something were to happen, at least you have that protection to fall back on.

Driving Skills

Next, you will want to make sure that your driving skills are up to scratch. You have to be conscious, not careless. It’s easy to just assume that you’re safe, but you may not be. So you will want to drive carefully, be aware of others around you, and maybe take a safety class just to be sure.

Motorcycle Musts

And finally, if you’re thinking about getting a motorcycle, or you know that you want to consider the option, you have to be safe. When it comes to riding a motorcycle, you will want to ensure that you know what safety gear to wear and how to drive well. The below infographic has more information on this.

May 17, 2018

How to Obtain Your Dream Car

by AlRitch, in Dream Car

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If you’re anything like most people you’ll have been dreaming about your perfect car since you were a child; perhaps you’ll have had posters or magazine cut outs pasted on the wall next to your bed... looking forward to the one day you were old enough to drive and obtain your dream car.

Unfortunately, financing our longing for possessions isn’t always as effortless as we would like, so in this article we look at the three most popular options when it comes to turning your dream car into a reality.

BUYING YOUR DREAM CAR OUTRIGHT

Owning a car might seem like the most obvious choice, however, it’s important to remember a car is a depreciating asset that rapidly loses its value, particularly in the first year, meaning if you buy a brand new car, then as soon as you drive it off the forecourt you can expect to lose four figures in terms of instant depreciation.

For this reason, it might be better to look into buying an ‘almost new’ car that has been driven just a few thousand miles. You will still have the prestige that comes with driving a new car but without the inflated price tag.

Buying a second-hand car seems to be one of the smartest moves you can make if purchasing a car outright yet the downside is that owning an older car can come with a fair amount of hassle. Indeed, many people share their horror stories of buying a second hand car only to have it sat in the auto repair shop a few weeks later, as they quickly discover it has many hidden problems. This is particularly true of auctions and private sales.

This is the downside of owning the car yourself; if something goes wrong with it, it’s your responsibility and you assume all the risk.

October 26, 2017

Small Car Repair You Can Do to Save Money

by AlRitch, in Saving Tips

Car repair is one of the monthly expenses that many of us don’t take seriously. We only consider repairing the car after a major damage has occurred. This is because sometimes the cost of car repair can be high regardless of how small they may look. Did you know that you can cut your car repair expenses by almost 50%? You don’t have to abandon your car in the garage to achieve this. It all involves handling the repairs by yourself. After years of having a car, you might have realized that some issues don't have to be handled by professional mechanics. Here are small car repairs that you can do to save money.

1. Change your brake pads

Mechanics and other car technicians will charge you some good amount of money just to change your brake pads. Did you know that you can do this without spending a dime? Replacing brake pads is quite an easy process and requires little technical knowledge about the working of a car. You only need pliers, basic wheel wrenches, and a wheel lug wrench. After removing the wheel, go ahead and fix the pads. The process may take less than an hour, and you won’t have to pay for the cost of labor.

It surprises us to see the number of people who visit auto shops to change their car batteries. This is one of the simplest car repair procedures that you can do at your home without involving a technician.

A typical battery will last for a period of between 3 to 4 years. By the end of this time frame, you should be fully aware of when to change the car battery. Waiting till you get a technician is one big lie. One secret of knowing the state of your battery is by checking its expiry date.

2. Change oil

A typical oil change that is done by a mechanic will cost you $20 to $30. Doing it yourself can help you reach your savings goals. After all, you would already have catered for the cost of oil and filter. Why should you pay more for the technician to do it?

Doing it yourself also minimizes losses that are associated with the process. Some technicians may use fake oil or those that are not compatible with your car engine. In doing so, your vehicle may start developing mechanical issues which will eventually affect your overall expenses of maintaining the car.

3. Change your spark plugs

Attar buying a car, one of the first lessons that you need to learn is how to change spark plugs. It is an easy care repair service that will save you from incurring some big expenses. These plugs have a lifetime, and in the latest models of vehicles, spark plugs expire after approximately 100,000 miles. The procedure is also less complicated as you only need a spark plug wrench.

4. Replacing headlight

Smart car owners walk around the car on a daily basis to check out the condition of the car's lighting system. It would be a suicidal move to drive a vehicle whose headlights are damaged (https://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/headlight.php) or not in a perfect condition. First, you will be putting yourself and other road users at risk. Secondly, faulty tail lights can mislead vehicles that are behind you.

You don’t have to hire someone to tackle your taillights. After buying a replacement, follow the procedure outlined in the manual. While replacing, be careful on how you handle the bulb. Do not touch the old one with your bare hands. Also, ensure that your hands are not greasy when handling the bulbs.

5. Fixing a chipped windshield

Setting a chipped windshield isn’t a complex process as many people tend to assume. In fact, it is one of the small car repairs that you can do to save money. To accomplish this task, you need to have a windshield kit repair kits which are sold at affordable prices. After that, get rid of loose glass using the pin that came with the kit.

Once the glass attains satisfactory cleanliness level, stick a small device next to the windshield until a seal is formed around the rock chip. Use vacuum contraception method to apply some resin into the crack. This is a small operation that can last less than an hour. It also seals the crack on the windshield from spreading hence saving you from incurring massive damages.

6. Windshield wiper

Rubbers that are found on the windshield can get worn out, making their effectiveness go down. You can efficiently deal with this issue by replacing the old strips of rubber with new ones. Alternatively, you can get unused wipers and remove their rubber strips. All you need is a screwdriver to complete the exercise.

7. Dangling exhaust pipe

Never assume any unnecessary noise coming from the back of your car. There could be something serious affecting your vehicle and needs to be handled as soon as possible. Probably the exhaust pipe holders have been damaged. Check under the car for any broken holder and repair it before the problem escalates to another level.

8. Replacing broken fuse

One of the reasons that may be preventing your headlight from turning on is broken fuses. They inhibit the transfer of electrical energy to their destination. Replacing a blown fuse is not a big deal. You only need to find the exact location of the fuse then read the appropriate manual on how to install it.

9. Replace gauge sender

Does your car keep running out of fuel? The problem may not be your bad driving habits. Probably the fuel gauge tank needs to be replaced. Try to find the location of a fuel gauge tank at home then look for the user’s manual and initiate the process if you can.

Conclusion

If you thought that buying a car is an expensive affair, wait till you start paying maintenance costs. Sometimes of these expenses are too high that they can end up draining your savings. With these tips, you will be able to save enough money that you can use for other ventures.

Bio

Tim Fox is a co-founder and writer for theeliteproduct.com. He and his friends share latest information about cars and motorcycle on their blog.

October 25, 2017

The Tools Everyone Should Have in their Car

by AlRitch, in Cars & Driving

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There’s nothing like the freedom of having your own vehicle, being to go wherever you want whenever you want without having to rely on a third-party to get you there. Unfortunately, most drivers will, at some point in their life, experience an issue with their car that means that freedom is, at least temporarily, taken away from them. The good news is that if you have a few choice tools in your car, your chances of getting into trouble and having to rely on someone else to get you out of it will be significantly lessened.

With that in mind, here are some of the most important tools you should always have on hand in your car:

The Car’s Manual

It’s pretty obvious, but so many people do not keep their vehicle owner’s manual in their vehicle; they leave it at home, where it is absolutely no use at all should they get into difficulty on the road! If you want to be able to solve your own car problems, as best you can, as often as you can, then you absolutely do need to carry your car’s manual with you wherever you go.

A LifeHammer

The LifeHammer is a simple tool, but one which could really save your life one day, should you get into trouble on the road. What does it do? It breaks windows very effectively. This would obviously be useful should your car, for instance, be plunged into a body of water, or should you get into a crash which makes it impossible for you to exit your vehicle by any other means. As a result, you should always keep your LifeHammer near the driver’s seat in a secure position. Perhaps even using tape to secure it, so that you will have no problem accessing it should you need to.

October 14, 2017

Buying a car

by AlRitch, in Cars & Driving

You’ve probably convinced yourself to keep that new Jeep or that Ford F-150 in your bookmarks just for fun. But maybe you’re moving that dream to reality--you’ve started clicking through your local dealerships, comparing prices, and considering the nitty-gritty details of buying the car you’ve been eying for years. It’s time for a little calculation.

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If you’re looking more seriously into buying a new car, it’s important to budget for your vehicle’s lifetime. Aside from a house, cars are one of the larger purchases you’ll make, and it’s important to plan the purchase carefully. Most cars will cost a bit more beyond the price tag over time. From fuel economy to maintenance and upkeep, you’ll want to consider all angles of your new ride to get the most for your dollar (and that might even require a quick test drive). Vehicle upkeep will inevitably include expenses like fluid replacements, oil changes, tire rotation, and it’ll include other forms of maintenance as your car ages.

September 28, 2017

Unusual Ways to Get Around

by AlRitch, in Scooters

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Most of you reading this will get around by car, motorcycle or bike, but for many people, that’s just plain boring. There are so many more interesting and unusual ways of getting around that the car is starting to look decidedly dull. Admittedly, many of these rather unique modes of transport aren’t exactly practical or even desirable (for the average person) on a regular basis, but there’s no denying they bring the fun factor…

The Segway

We thought that walking was one of the biggest advantages of being humans, but you know what, that doesn’t mean it can’t be improved upon, and some bright spark has done just that by automating the walking process. With the segway, we can now traverse the pavements where transport would once have been forbidden, save our legs from aching and our feet from swelling, and still see all of the sites.

With a top speed of 12.5 miles per hour, you won’t exactly be living life in the fast lane if you buy a segway, but you will get where you’re going way faster than if you walked! The only real drawback is, that like the Daleks of old you might find stairs to be a bit of a challenge!

The Trikke Scooter

If you’re weighing up the moped vs motor scooter debate right now, let me throw a spanner into the works by bringing to your attention the trike scooter. Okay, not really, the Trikke scooter would hardly compete with the power and convenience of those distinctly much more grown up modes of transport, but it would arguably be more fun!

The Trikke, which can be purchased for just $199 is a hybrid of sorts of a scooter and skate. Unlike traditional scooters, it has two wheels at the back. These can be swung in and out, causing the Trikke to move forward. It’s pretty slow, but it’s also great fun, and you can kind of get a good workout when you ride it too!

September 22, 2017

Legal Ways To Make Your Look Car Better Than The Rest

by AlRitch, in Cars & Driving

So you’ve bought a car off the lot, and it really doesn’t look a lot. It’s a base color, and it’s a standard model. It doesn’t really do a lot for your style or appearance. But hey, it’s safe and economical. OK, none of that matters when you want to make a statement! If you want your motor to impress, then don’t panic. There are plenty of upgrades and alterations you can make to even the most boring of compacts. Try some of these tips to improve the look of your new wheels:

Wash, Wax, Protect

If you bought a brand new car, then the body work has already had a polish. But even factory fresh models will need a bit of work to keep that body in good shape. Valeting is essential if you want the paint to stay pristine. And if you’re changing the paint job, then these tips are essential.

Pick a wash or shampoo product that is designed for the job. Standard detergent will destroy your paint work! It needs to be pretty powerful though to cut through the muck and debris that cars collect when they’re outside the garage. Take your time to cut into the trims, arches, and the inside facing door frame. If you take care of the paint, none of the metal in your motor should be exposed. Exposure can lead to degradation and even rust.

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The wax brings out the shine, and it also provides a protective layer or barrier to prevent hard buildups of dirt. When you consider how many exhaust pipes are chugging out muck when you’re stuck in traffic, it’s easy to see how cars get so dirty so quickly. If you buy a good product, there is no need to double coat.

Tires And Trims

If you’ve bought a good car with good tires, it’s important you look after them. Tires can be painted to bring back that absolute black we all love. Trims and alloys are easily scuffed on the road. They can be replaced, but it is usually cheaper to use a special cutting paint that will mask the damage. Some people even use sticky plastic covers to protect their trims as these are a little more hard wearing.

You might not be able to afford the fastest car in the world, but you can still reach serious speeds with the smallest of motors. Your tires need to be appropriate for the vehicle and in good condition to be able to stop you safely in an emergency. In most places, good tires are a legal requirement, so check yours monthly for pressure and tread.

September 07, 2017

The Focus Impressed Everybody When It Launched. But Does It Pass The Test Of Time?

by AlRitch, in Ford Cars

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When you think of a small family car, what the first vehicle that comes to mind? It’s probably the Ford Focus. Ever since the car was released more than 20 years ago, it’s become a staple of our roads, proving to be exceptionally popular among working families trying to break into the middle class. In many ways, the Ford Focus was the new Mondeo of its era, as the traditional saloon declined in popularity at the end of the 1990s. Can the car still stand up in today’s much-changed market and hold its own?

Looks

The Focus has always been a particularly good looking car. Even the original, with its relatively basic styling, beat out the competition from companies like Citroen and Renault. The Focus had a simple elegance combined with a striking design that was hard for anybody to emulate or compete against. What was more, the car looked mean and bulky. Yes, it was a hatchback, but there was somehow more to it. While you might have been pushed around on the road driving a Fiesta, people generally didn’t mess with those behind in the wheel of a Focus. It was a grown-up’s car.

Over the years following launch, Ford did a remarkably good job at making sure that the Focus remained stylish and relevant. They didn’t want the car to go the way of the Doblo. The updated ST version of the car suddenly gave it an aesthetic many people didn’t think was possible to have on a hatch. It looked sporty and mean like it was going places. Compared to the Golf RS, the Seat Leon and the Peugeot 308, it was in its own league.

Space

So the looks passed the test of time. Even an original Focus from 1998 still doesn’t look out of place or particularly aged on today’s roads. But that’s not all people buy a family hatch for. They also want them to provide them with enough space for all their family activities.

This is perhaps the biggest problem with the Focus. For all the styling and great looks, the car itself tends to lack boot space. It appears Ford was willing to sacrifice the trunk in favor of providing passengers in the cockpit with added leg and headroom. It’s a great vehicle if you want to transport five six-foot-plus men, but not particularly useful if they want to bring any luggage with them.

Compared to competitors in the space, such as the Vauxhall Astra and the Skoda Octavia, boot space is lacking. What’s more, even though the volume of the boot is lower than rivals, the shape restricts the amount of space on offer even further. The angle of the rear seats makes it difficult to transport large, square objects, like suitcases and boxes. Of course, if you do want to open up space in the car, you can fold down the rear seats, but transporting luggage like this isn’t ideal, and not practical if you also intend to transport the entire family.

July 29, 2017

3 Of The Best Family-Friendly Saloon Cars

by AlRitch, in Cars & Driving

If you’re looking for a car for your family, then where do you start? There are many options to choose from. A lot of people will steer themselves towards SUVs and MPVs. But a traditional family car, like a saloon car, is still going to be a worthy option, depending on how many seats you need to have, of course. For one thing, the lower height of saloon cars, compared to SUVs can give quite a few advantages. They tend to be less bulky and more aerodynamic than their larger counterparts, meaning a smoother drive in many ways. So if you’re looking for a good drive, as well as space, then here are some of the top options for you for a family car. Which is your favorite?

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Skoda Superb Estate

This estate car from Skoda is on the list because it is such good value for money. You get a lot for very little. So it makes it a no-brainer when it comes to family cars. It is a similar price to getting a BMW One series, but in terms of the space you get, it is closer in size to a BMW Three series, perhaps even Five series. So you do get much more bang for your buck with Skoda. Being an estate car means that you get plenty of trunk space, which is great for larger families, or those with strollers or a pet dog to transport. It has a solid driving experience too, as well as some well-made and stylish interior. So it is a real contender.

July 18, 2017

Amped Up: Watt Could Go Wrong With Electric Cars

by AlRitch, in Electric Cars

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Electric cars have gotten a lot of people very excited over the last few years. Companies have come leaps and bounds to find new ways to move people around. Of course, along with electric vehicles, normal cars are still being made. Why is this, though? They’re almost as cheap as regular cars. And they don’t cost as much to fuel. Their environmental impact alone is worth considering, too, as they produce no emissions. These cars, despite their good side, are still far from perfect, unfortunately. To help you to see this, this post will be going through three of the issues you could face buying into this emerging market.

Powering a car with electricity alone is a great step towards making transport entirely renewable. Instead of the car producing emissions while being made and while on the road, electric vehicles only cause emissions when they’re made. But, at the cost of this, their fuel can be very hard to find. In a lot of places, there simply won’t be power. So, if you break down, you won’t have a way to refuel at all. Though, even when you have fuel, it might not serve you well. The lithium batteries inside electric cars discharge much faster in cold conditions. During winter, you won’t get the same mileage out of your car as you would in summer. With the fuel for these cars being hard to find, this could cause you some real issues. Of course, though, this will depend on where you are.

June 27, 2017

Treat Your Car Better and Reap the Rewards

by AlRitch, in Cars & Driving

Do you really give your car the love and attention that it needs? If you don’t, now is the time to change all that. You don’t need to accept second best from your car. Sure, you might never drive a Ferrari, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experience the benefits of treating your car right, even if it is a cheap motor with plenty of miles on the clock.

Keep Checking Your Oil Levels

The oils levels in your car make a big difference to how your vehicle performs. If you want your car to remain smooth and efficient, you should check the oil levels regularly. As soon as you notice that they’re starting to run a little low, top them up right away. You can get all kinds of oil, so find the one that suits your vehicle best. 5w30 synthetic oil is a popular choice at the moment, so you might want to consider that. You should pay the same amount of attention to the other liquids that your car relies on to stay functional.

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Follow the Maintenance Schedule Outlined in Your Manual

Every car has a maintenance schedule that should be stuck to. This is outlined clearly in your car’s manual. You should do what you can to stick to this schedule because it will help you to make sure that your car is always looked after. There are so many things that can go wrong with your car if you don’t take it to be serviced and maintained by a professional. You will be rewarded with fewer breakdowns and headaches if you do manage to follow the maintenance schedule, so don’t skip over this. It’s not worth it.

June 08, 2017

The True Costs Of A Car Accident, Revealed

by AlRitch, in Safe Driving

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Whether you are in a major pileup or just have a minor accident, the costs of being involved in such an incident are a lot more than you might think. In today’s brief guide, we’re going to take a look at all the associated expenses of being involved in an auto accident - let’s get the magnifying glass out and see what you can expect.

Repairs

In theory, when you have auto insurance the company who runs your plan should cover the costs of your car if you have an accident, and if it is someone else’s fault, it is their insurer that will pay. But it’s not always the case. Unless you have comprehensive insurance cover, there is a high likelihood that you will need to pay for any repairs yourself. And don’t forget, if you write off your car, you will only receive the amount it is valued at right now - not when you bought the car.