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Archive for February 17th, 2010

There are Many Items in Your Vehicle You Can Fix Yourself

February 17th, 2010 No comments

There are actually many items in our cars that we can fix ourselves. Being a mechanic is fun, and it will actually save ourselves a chunk of change. Best of all, it doesn’t take that much time either.

The easiest way to maintain your car is probably to inflate the tires. It sounds simple but doing so not only saves your tires from wearing out excessively but also your gas.

Changing your oil regularly will keep your engine running smoothly and keep your car running for longer. Unfortunately, it’s not the cheapest either but you can do this yourself.

Windshield wipers are another easy replacement that you can do yourself. Why pay someone money to replace something you can do in 5 minutes? Just buy it online and then change them.

It probably takes 10 – 20 minutes of your time to change your tires yourself, but most people pay someone and wait hours in line just to get the same service. It’s just not worth it.

Unless you are a mechanic, it’s impossible to do major repairs yourself. You also really need to know what you are doing because a missing screw can mean life or death.

So many people, especially the younger folks, have all sorts of things in their cars. These accessories are all pretty much useless, so stay away if money is a concern.

It isn’t too hard to change break pads, but I understand that it could be intimidating for some of you. That’s why you should ask someone else to do it, but never the dealership because of the price they charge.

There’s no need to ask for a favor because changing lightbulbs is actually a very easy task. It’s literally the same as changing a light bulb in your house so just do it yourself.

Alignment is a lot of money but pay someone to do it because you cannot do it yourself. But still do it, as it’s very important for safety and gas concerns.

Finally, there’s a Travelocity promo code that I can use for my mid year trip which is only a few months away.

Categories: Automotive

Types of Car Insurance in SA

February 17th, 2010 No comments

Approximately 65 percent of South African drivers do not have auto insurance cover. That is an alarming statistics for the 35 percent of those who do. So, what is keeping that 65 percent from making the responsible decision and purchasing at least the minimum cover?

Lets start with an overview of the insurance types. In South Africa, auto insurance cover has three basic forms.

The minimum cover is Third Party. This covers your liability (costs) if you damage someone elses personal property in an automobile accident. This includes other vehicles or structural property that may also be damaged.

You can add to the minimum by purchasing Third Party Fire and Theft. This will cover you in the event that your vehicle is damaged by fire, theft or attempted theft.

Comprehensive cover is the one that is recommended for most South Africans. And the aAdvantage of comprehensive motor insurance is that it is unique as it covers the most South Africans including Third Party Fire and Theft. It also extends to cover the damages to your own or someone else’s car when you are driving it.

Other insurnce schemes mainly consider the drivers in South Africa.they may be comprehensive covers,bike or caravan also.

Because South Africa is a high risk insurance environment, premiums can be high. But you can take some steps to lower your premiums.South Africa is often a world leader in traffic injuries and fatalities and the roads are becoming increasingly dangerous. Car theft and hijackings are also all too common.

Start by shopping around and comparing quotes. It is easiest to research your options online, and you may also get a discount if you purchase your policy online depending on the company you decide to work with.

If you remain accident-free, you can expect to pay lower monthly premiums. If your current insurance provider does not offer discounts for safe driving, it might be time to shop around for better rates.

Examine your excess amount. The higher the excess, the lower the premium because you are responsible to pay the excess in the event of a claim. If you can afford it, raising your excess amount will help you save in the long run.

If you own an expensive or high performance vehicle, you will pay more for your premiums. These cars cost more to insure because they are considered a higher risk and are expensive to replace or repair. So when you car shop, keep in mind that your insurance premiums will add to the cost of owning the vehicle you choose.

Receive discounts and pay lesser premiums by exceeding the security requirements mandated by your insurance company. So get your vehicle installed with security gadgets that exceeds the minimums specified by your insurer.

If you live in a high crime area, your car is at greater risk for theft or hijacking. Consider moving to get lower premiums. You can also receive a discount if you park your car in a locked garage or behind locked gates overnight.

Most of all, dont be afraid to negotiate. An insurance company that is interested in your business will be willing to work with you in order to earn your business.

Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Aricas leading car insurance portal.

Categories: Automotive

Extended Vehicle Warrantie: How To Get The Best Coverage

February 17th, 2010 No comments

All of us desire to avoid paying out for extra expenses. If you have recently invested in a new car or obtained a pre owned one, you surely would want to avert having to pay for vehicle repairs which could be very expensive. Yet, a lot of people mistakenly count on the auto insurance cover when, in reality, it isn’t included in the policy.

The best way to safeguard your budget from unnecessary auto repairs

The best option you can use is obtaining an extended vehicle warrantee as It is going to guard you against having to pay for repairs for your motor vehicle. In addition to that,the defective components will probably be swapped out at very little extra cost

Now, if you would like to obtain the best deal out of the extended warranty, it is very important you are sure of the best way to choose one. You will want to speak with a company adviser with regards to the scope and restrictions with the warrantee. This will help you know what you do not have to worry about and what you need to prepare for.

What you should look for in an extended vehicle warrantee

Many people tend to be a little apprehensive when it comes to getting an extended vehicle extended warranty given that many would feel that it is only just another additional expense. Really, it will help you to save a lot of money if your auto needs to be fixed. Just be sure, that you know what will end up covered in the warranty.
You must know what type of maintenance is covered in the extended vehicle warrantee.

This way you understand exactly what kinds of car repairs you need to prepare for. Knowing this would also enable you to settle on what type of extended warranty you are going to end up buying for your car. If you believe you are able to leave out additional types of vehicle repairs or services for your auto, then you may get a more affordable warranty. If you want to turn out to be sure about it, you can get a full coverage protection plan for your motor vehicle which means that that you will not actually need thinking about spending money on other things. Even so, this would also imply that you’d pay for a higher rate for your extended warranty.

Where to get an extended vehicle warranty

You might already turn out to be on your way to obtaining an extended vehicle warrantee, you should be carefull in your negotiations do not be easily misled by the low-cost warranties that are offered. Bargain-priced guarantees tend not to commonly indicate huge benefits for you, however it might only give you reduced insurance coverage and you will have to fund any kind of car repairs not specified within the schedule

If you would prefer to obtain cheap extended car extended auto warranty do never immediately enter a deal with your car dealer. If you get in touch with extended warranty companies directly, you may be surprised with what other products are available at much less expensive prices.

Most notably when ever buying extended auto warranties it pays for you to look around and avoid any policy that looks to good to be true.

Learn more about extended vehicle warranties. Stop by Alex Franciax’s site where you can find out all about cheaper extended vehicle warranty and what it can do for you.

Categories: Automotive

Using The CARS Method When Renting Your Next Vehicle

February 17th, 2010 No comments

CARS is one of the best methods around to assist you in finding the best deal on your car rental. It tends to be an overwhelming task, but following a mnemonic can make this task as easy as spelling C.A.R.S.

C- If you have the flexibility in your travel plans then you may want to consider CHANGING your vehicle drop off and pick up days. By changing your dates you may be able to save yourself a few dollars, and by few I mean anywhere from twenty to hundreds of dollars. You can also get a free day rental by arranging to return your vehicle on a Saturday evening or Sunday morning, as most places are closed on Sundays so you will not really be required to bring it back until Monday morning

A- When you are unsure on what your agreement terms or rental quote includes you should always ASK questions. Asking questions about anything you are unsure of will ensure that you are knowledgeable on what is expected of you as a renter, and what your actual bottom line cost will be.

R- Be sure that while you are traveling in your rental vehicle that you act RESPONSIBLY and always READ anything the rental company puts in front of you before signing. You want to be knowledgeable on what you are signing and what you will be liable for. Anything that you sign is a legally binding contract and need to be taken seriously by all parties involved.

S- Your SERVICE coverage is something that you will want to be very knowledgeable about. You will want to be sure what your roadside assistance entails, and who you should call if you happen to brake down on the road or get into an accident. You will also want to find out where to take the car if you should hear a strange noise or something seems off with the vehicle. Never pay for anything without checking to see if you will get reimbursed and never give your approval for work on the vehicle without checking with the rental company first.

Budget Rent a Car is a great place to check out when you are looking for a Coolangatta car hire. To start looking for your rental car log onto www.budget.com.au.

Categories: Automotive

Fuel Efficiency Of Hybrid Cars – A Myth Or Reality?

February 17th, 2010 No comments

A hybrid car is the one that uses more than one distinct source to move the car. The major power sources for the hybrid vehicles include gasoline, or diesel fuel, hydrogen, solar, compressed air, and liquid nitrogen. Most of the hybrid cars are based on the internal combustion engines, and one, or more electric motors.

Power split devices form the base of hybrid cars. Being a gearbox, this device hooks the gasoline engine, generator and electric motor all together in a smart manner. In fact, the car is operated like a parallel hybrid in attribution to this gearbox. Both the electric motor and the gas engine can power the car all on their own and sometimes they power the car together. The car is also operated like a series hybrid on behalf of this gearbox.

Gasoline engines in hybrid cars are distinct because of their small size than what you see in regular cars. The efficiency is greater than that of a bigger car. As the big car engines are heavy, extra energy is required when the car requires accelerating or going up a hill. Also, the movement of the pistol up and down also demands extra energy for the cylinders of the heavy engines. In addition, the number of cylinders in bigger engines is greater as well, which means greater consumption of fuel. This clearly explains why hybrid cars are more fuel efficient.

The power of the engine of hybrid cars is adequate to pull the car on a freeway. Nevertheless, in the case of the car having a greater speed or the possibility of going up the steep hill, there needs to be some aid to support it. It is hence provided by the electric motor and the battery. This support employs itself along the gas engine and gives the extra power that the car needs. In short, the use of alternate power forms goes a long way in overcoming difficulties in attribution to smaller engine.

There are other tricks that complement the smaller and efficient engine. These tricks go a long way in achieving greater fuel efficiency. Hybrid cars happen to have an energy recovery system, where energy dissipates as heat, just when the brakes are applied. Hybrid cars capture a part of the energy that they store in the battery for further use. The stopping of the car is accomplished by electric motors. It also plays the role of the generator in the course of changing the battery, once the speed of the car decreases.

As the hybrid car has two engines, it needs not to rely on the single engine. When the car stops at the red light, the gasoline engine switches off, and the power source is shifted to the electric motor, and the batteries.

Stiffer and inflated tires are used on part of hybrid cars. The pressure content is higher in these tires as compared to regular ones. The smooth ride offered by these ones is an epitome of perfection. In addition, the drag is minimized as well as the consumption of fuel. These tires reduce the drag half of what the conventional tires did.

The aerodynamic drug happens to be the next power or factor that consumes fuel. Hybrid cars play a role in the reduction of this drag to a great extent. This was done on part of the hybrid cars with the help of reducing the front area of the car. The market has hybrid cars that can utilize a number of tricks to make them fuel efficient.

For more information about Hybrid Cars and book a test drive, visit the Lexus website.

Categories: Automotive