Car Insurance

The exterior of your vehicle is really the first impression people get of both you and your vehicle. Imagine you just drove up for an important meeting or job interview. As you get out of your car you notice everyone is staring at you and your vehicle. Is it a good stare or a bad one? What does your car’s exterior say about you?

You always want to make a good impression. You might be a snappy dresser and great at making introductions and small talk but what if a person sees your vehicle instead of you first, what impression are they going to get? You want to send a vibe to those that see you park your car that you are an organized, well put together person. The best way to do this is to present a vehicle that is well maintained and shines from the sunroof to the mud-flaps.

Maintaining the exterior does not have to take long, perhaps an hour or two during the weekend normally. You just have to know what to do and have the right materials to get it done. To keep you car in pristine shape you first need the proper car washing equipment.

To properly wash your car yourself you will need to have a hose, car wash, cleaning mitts, chamois, wheel cleaner spray and tire brush. Pull your car out of the garage and wet it down. Try to keep it out of the sun or it will “sun dry” while you are washing it which will leave spots. Now fill up a bucket with a bit of car wash concentrate (easily found at an auto parts store) and then a lot of water. Whatever you do, do not use dish washing detergent it could harm your clear coat or paint.

Preferably you will have lamb skin wash mitts to dip in the water and wash/scrub the car with. These are softer and less likely to damage the paint. Make sure to scrub off any bugs or bird droppings before they can hurt your paint. If you have parked under the tree you might have to get a special wash to get the sap off. You do not want anything on the car that could eat way the paint or make the paint fade.

As you finish with washing a portion of the car, spray it off with the hose to get the soap off. Continue re-wetting the car to keep the part you are washing wet as well as the rest of the car drying with water spots. Remember to wash the windshield, roof, mirrors and front lights. If the bottom portion of the car is dirty with grease do not use your mitt. The grease or oil will stick to it and you will spread it to the rest of the car. Instead get a soft rag and use the water and cleaner mixture to wipe off the grease.

Once the car is washed you can move onto the tires and rims. Depending on the type of rim you have on the car it can be easy or hard to clean. The more intricate the design the more difficult it usually is to wash. Use a tire brush if you must to clean all the crevices of the rim. You then can use a tire protector to spray on the tires and give them a glossy shine.

Now it is time to dry the vehicle. Use the chamois and wipe the car down. Wring out the chamois as needed. Now that the car is washed and dry take a critical eye to it. See if there are any scratches or areas that need to be touched up. If so you should be able to match paint at a dealership or auto supply store. The touch up paint can then be put on the flaw.

You have now finished with the washing of your car. Sure, sure you could instead take your car to a car wash but if you do that you need to make certain it is a hand wash and not a machine wash establishment. If your car is not washed by a human it is likely to get scratched up. Human are more precise with their cleaning and try to keep debris such as dirt out of the cleaning mitts so that the paint job does not get scratched up. Also if you take it to a car wash you do not get the satisfaction of having a job well done yourself.

If you want to make your car’s exterior look even better you can give it an occasional wax job. This will help protect the paint job even more from such potential harmful items as sun or UV damage and other pollutants. But for now you have a shiny washed car that you should be proud to drive and park in any parking lot, no matter if you are going to an important meeting or joining friends at the mall.

As excited consumers buy 2004 model vehicles in the coming months, one of the first things they want from their pride-and-joys is better sound.

And one of the last things they want is to engage in a complicated overhaul of the dashboard area of their new cars.

Here’s good news — the days of that trade-off are long gone. With add-ons such as satellite radio, a multi-disc CD changer, or mobile video, even factory stereos are primed for dramatically improved entertainment options and sound quality.

The good news is that you don’t have to dismantle your sound system if you want more than your in-dash receiver can offer,? said Dan Hodgson, vice president for business development at Crutchfield Corporation, the leading Internet and catalog retailer of consumer electronics.

These products are ideal if you want to keep your factory radio, drive a leased vehicle, or just don’t want the hassle of a complicated installation, Hodgson said.

Adding satellite radio

One of the most popular additions to factory systems is satellite radio and little wonder why. Once you’ve had an earful of satellite radio’s 100 channels of crystal-clear music, news, sports, and entertainment, you’ll find it hard to go back to terrestrial signals.

Delphi and Kenwood have satellite radio tuners that connect to your existing system with a cassette adapter and a cigarette lighter power adapter. The Delphi SKYFi delivers XM satellite radio signals. Kenwood’s Here2Anywhere offers SIRIUS programming. These are great products because you also can buy a kit to connect them to your home receiver. That way, you can enjoy satellite radio at home and in the car, Hodgson said. Satellite radio requires a small monthly subscription fee.

Mobile video

Even the most bland factory stereo system can be spruced up with add-on DVD or VHS players. The Fahrenheit DVD-5 plays DVDs (and CDs), and can be stowed in a hideaway location. Add a custom Vizualogic headrest with a built-in monitor that slides into your factory openings without cutting or splicing, and you can enjoy movies in your car without overhauling your vehicle’s interior.

Add an amp or a sub

For great clarity and definition, and richer bass, an amplifier/subwoofer combination is definitely the way to go. An amp will add fuller sound to the interior of your car — this can make a fantastic difference in roomy SUVs.

Most of today’s amplifiers have inputs that can be connected directly to the speaker wires in your existing or factory system.

Power a subwoofer from the amp to hear previously unrevealed bass notes. Some subwoofers, like Amplified Bazooka Tubes have a convenient built-in amp, so you don’t need a separate power source.

Play multiple CDs

Tired of fumbling for single discs on (or under) the seat to put in your CD receiver? Then add a multi-disc changer for hours of listening enjoyment. An FM-modulated CD changer sends a signal from the changer to an unused band on your FM dial.

That means any vehicle with an FM radio is ready for a CD changer upgrade. Some even play MP3-encoded CDs.

Some manufacturers, like USA SPEC, even make CD changer/adapter packages for particular makes and models of vehicles, so that you don’t have to pay dealer mark-up.

Buying a car takes certain skills. The two that will help you the most are researching and negotiating. Researching allows you to pinpoint the price you should pay. Negotiating allows you to get the price you want to pay. These are the fine points of buying an automobile.

Researching the car you want is easier than ever if you utilize the Internet. By going online you have a massive amount of information at your fingertips. The first place to go for your research is the car maker’s website. Here you can get details of the various vehicles they have for sale at their dealerships. You can get a feel for the automobile you might want to purchase.

Once you have obtained all the information you want or need from the manufacturer’s page move onto car sites such as MSN.carpoint.com or Edmunds that have sections set aside for research. On these sites you can compare different makes and models - their specification, mpg, price and so on.

After a certain time period you should have narrowed down your vehicle search to a couple of cars the research can become more intense. You can now use these same sites to find out what the manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) is as well as what the dealer’s invoice is. This is important because the MSRP is what the dealer would like you to pay and the dealer’s invoice is what you would like to pay because that is basically the true cost of the vehicle.

With your research is complete it is time to visit the dealership and negotiate. Of course first test drive the car and check it out to make sure it includes the options you want. But once you have selected the vehicle you want you need to settle with the salesperson on a price you will pay to drive it off the lot and into your garage at home.

Negotiating can be intimidating if you do not have the personality for it. That is why you should always keep in mind you can walk away at any point. You should know what the vehicle is really worth and what you can pay and stick with your calculations. The dealership is trying to get as much money over that invoice price as possible so that they receive more commission. It is unlikely you will ever be able to negotiate down to the invoice price but 5 or 6 percent over that amount is usually a good deal.

If you cannot agree on a price you have the right to get up and leave the dealership. You can likely either find another dealership in which to negotiate with for the vehicle you want. If you live in a small community where that is not an option it is possible that if you come back to the dealership at a different time and work with a different salesperson you might be able to get the deal you want.

Researching and negotiating are the most important parts of the car buying process. Both can be easy or hard depending on your skill level at each. The thing to remember is that you are in control with both. You can take as much time as it takes to research. While negotiating you can spend as much time as you want or walk away if you are unhappy with the deal. Hopefully with the right approach to both you will be driving away in your new vehicle with a smile on your face.

Buying a used car compare to a new car can be quite a bargain. If you cannot afford a new vehicle getting a quality, reliable used vehicle is a great alternative. Here are tips on where to search and find a used vehicle.

When looking for a used car one of the most important aspects of the hunt is do research. This can be done easily online now. You can use a search engine and put in blue book value and many sites will pop up showing you what the used value various vehicles are. Finding out the book value of used cars will allow you to figure out what used vehicles you can afford.

Sites that are useful for this research are:Edmunds.comNadaguides.comKBB.com (Kelley Blue Book)MSN.Carpoint.com

Where to find a quality used car is your next step. You can begin with your classified section of your local newspaper. Look for the vehicle you are interested in purchasing and visit the owner. Ask why they are selling the car, what repairs they have done and take the car out for a test drive.

If there are no cars you are interested in listed in the classifieds look to see if there are any car auctions nearby that you can attend. Some auctions are open to the public while others are not. Finding an auction that is selling fleet vehicles might allow you to find a quality vehicle.

Fleet or company vehicles are usually regularly maintained thus in good working condition. If you are interested in purchasing a vehicle from an auction I would recommend attending a few auctions beforehand so you know how the bidding process works. It is also helpful if you can get a good look at the vehicle and its history.

If you are not interested in auctions you might try going to a dealership. Many dealerships these days sell not only new car but also used cars. These used cars are likely to be of low mileage and be certified by the dealership to be in good working order. This type of used car might cost a little more than one purchased from a private seller but if it comes with a warranty or guarantee it could be well worth it.

If you still have not found your perfect used vehicle you can go online once again. This time you can search for a vehicle to buy.There are many sites dedicated to the selling of used cars. Some sites that are popular and are easy to use are: AutoTrader.comEbayMotors.comCars.com

Now that you have found a car you are thinking of purchasing you can do some more in-depth research. If you go to Carfax.com with the VIN number of the vehicle in hand you can find out information specific to the vehicle you are interested in. This site will allow you to request a vehicle history report of the vehicle with the VIN number you supply.

There are various reports that you can buy from Carfax but the basic one will usually include all the information you will need. The basic report costs around $25 and includes a title check, odometer check, problem check and registration check. This will give you an idea about how many people previously owned the vehicle, if it had been in any accidents and if the odometer reading is correct amongst other things.

If the CarFax history report looks satisfactory to you can move onto finding a mechanic. You will want to find a reputable mechanic to inspect the vehicle and give you a report. It might cost you to have this done but it will be money well spent. Even if a vehicle looks good and drove well on the test drive does not mean it is in perfect running condition. A mechanic will be able to check it over and give you a report on what, if any, repairs are likely to be needed in the near future.

If the mechanic has given you a good report on the vehicle it is likely you have found your next car. If this is the case you next need to begin negotiations with dealer or private individual. Doing your research on the value of the used car this should not be difficult to do and you should soon be driving away in your quality used vehicle.

Learning how the various systems of your car works allows you to not only become more knowledgeable but also allows you to speak intelligently with your mechanic. If you car will not start in the morning and it is the fuel pump causing the problem you will want to know what this means instead of asking a car technician to explain it to you. Learn now about your car’s fuel system.

Before learning about the components involved in running the fuel system it is best to have an understanding of what the fuel system accomplishes. The function of the fuel system is to collect and then deliver fuel to the cylinder chamber of your car’s engine. Here in the cylinder chamber the fuel is mixed with air as it vaporizes and then the mixtures burns to produce energy. That energy is then converted into a rotary motion that powers your car.

If you look at the fuel system from beginning to end it starts with you putting the fuel into the vehicle at the gas pumps (assuming your car is run by a gasoline engine). The fuel is stored in a fuel tank as you pump it in. The fuel pump then draws the fuel from the tank by way of fuel lines and delivers it through a fuel filter to the fuel injector or if an older car a carburetor. Finally the fuel is delivered to the cylinder chamber for the combustion process to begin.

What is a fuel system comprised of one might ask. The components of a vehicle’s fuel system include fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter and fuel injectors meaning the fuel injection system or carburetor. Depending on the age of your vehicle there might be other components but these are the basic parts that run a car’s fuel system.

The fuel tank is where the fuel is stored after being pumped into the car so let us start with it. To be as basic as possible the fuel tank is a holding container for your fuel to be stored in until the fuel system calls for it to be drawn out. Within this tank is a unit or “floater” that sends a message to the gas gauge telling it how much gas you have available in the fuel tank. Also positioned in the fuel tank are baffles that should prevent the fuel from sloshing back and forth as you drive around.

Next is the fuel pump. It is usually located inside or near the fuel tank. There are two types of fuel pumps - mechanical and electric. Newer cars that are fuel injected have the electric fuel pump while older carbureted automobiles use the mechanical pump. Either fuel pump functions by drawing the fuel out of the fuel tank and sending it onto the fuel filter and injectors via fuel lines. The pump needs to create enough pressure so that the injectors will be able to distribute the correct amount of fuel no matter what the operating conditions.

Fuel lines connect all sections of the fuel system. These lines are usually made of steel or copper. The fuel lines are situated far away from the all parts of the exhaust system, such as the pipes and muffler, to keep that excessive heat from causing problems such as vapor lock. The lines need to be attached securely to the frame and engine so that there is minimal vibration to them that could cause punctures.

Once the fuel has been pushed through the fuel lines it is critical to the whole system that it flows into the fuel filter. The fuel filter is installed within the fuel line so that it can clean the fuel before it is transported on to the injectors. Injectors can become easily clogged which would affect their efficiency. The filter’s job is to collect or trap any water or solid material that is in the fuel. Dirt from rust in the fuel tank or condensed moisture could hurt the injectors and engine if they were not filtered out at this point of the fuel system process.

After the fuel filter has done its job the fuel continues on through the system to the fuel injectors. An injector is a minuscule electronically controlled valve that opens and closes as the signal instructs it. When the injector is energized the valve opens allowing the pressurized fuel to squirt out from a small nozzle. The closer the fuel is injected to the cylinder head the better the fuel is atomized and able to burn when ignited by a spark plug.

The final part of a fuel system to be discussed at this time is the carburetor or electric fuel injection system. Some background information should explain if your car is equipped with a carburetor or fuel injection system. Electric fuel injection began to replace the carburetor in the 1980s in Europe and finally caught on with American auto makers at the end of the 1980s / early 1990s. Since that point in time all vehicles built in the United have States fuel injection systems.

The older system, known as a carburetor, needed to be replaced because as cars technologically advance the carburetor became more and more complicated. The more complex it became the more likely there was something that could go wrong. It finally became so difficult for the carburetor to handle all the many operating requirements that it was replaced with the injection system.

This new electric fuel injection system is also known as a multi-port or sequential. This is because this type of system has a fuel injector for each cylinder, usually positioned so that they spray directly into the intake valve. This allows for more accurate fuel metering and a quicker response time.

Fuel injectors are situated within the manifold so that the fuel is sprayed directly into the intake valves. The amount of fuel sprayed is determined by the amount of time the fuel injector remains open. For the right amount of fuel to be used with each spray there are a good amount of sensors used.

The fuel system of your vehicle does not have to be a mystery to you. The components are not as complex as you would first think. You know how to put gasoline into your fuel tank and now know what happens to that fuel as it empties out of the tank so it can run your vehicle.