Winter Driving Tire Tips: If You Drive In the Snow, You Should Get Snow Tires

Winter is fast approaching here in the Pacific Northwest, and like many other northern portions of the United States, that means inclement weather is fast approaching. In many areas, the winter months are characterized by cold temperatures and the occasional snow storm. And in certain parts of the country, the snow and ice comes fast and furious.

There are a number of factors to consider when making your plans for winter driving. Depending on the usual weather in your area this winter, you might be considering snow tires. If you think you will be regularly driving in icy, snowy conditions, snow tires are probably your best bet. If your area’s winter is a bit milder, with only a few light, scattered snowstorms – then you might try to get away with all-season tires. But these tires do not perform as well as snow tires in conditions of heavy snow and slush.

Tires may be the most important part of your vehicle from a safety point-of-view, particularly when conditions are less than ideal. Without adequate tire grip, many important vehicle safety features are rendered useless, such as antilock brakes, all-wheel-drive and electronic stability controls.

What exactly are snow tires? Well, they are tires specifically designed with tread patterns that grab ahold of the snow and ice. Snow tires are also manufactured with a special compound that enables them to be more flexible than normal tires under cold conditions. These factors combine to improve grip and handling when stopping and steering when the road is slick.

All-weather tires are designed for a variety of conditions, including dry and wet roads. Compared to snow tires, all-season tires don’t perform as well in extremely cold environments, nor do they have as good a tread when it comes to particularly slippery conditions.

The benefit of all-season tires versus snow tires is that you don’t need to swap them out as the seasons change, because snow tires are not really designed to be used year-round. If you try to use snow tires in the summer, they will wear out very fast, rendering them less effective come winter.

The downside of all-season tires is that, while it is convenient to have one set of tires on your vehicle all year, these tires aren’t really optimal for any particular season, only adequate. Though you have to buy two sets of tires, you will get better performance year-round, if you go with a snow tire in the winter, and regular tire in the summer that will afford you a smoother, quieter ride.

Other factors to consider when purchasing snow tires include:

• If you are going to be making a lot of trips over very icy roads, you might consider installing “studs” on your snow tires, which are sturdy metal points inserted into the tread to give the tire an even better bite of the road. In most areas with harsh winters, studded snow tires are legal and available (though you should double check this). Studded snow tires MUST be removed at the end of winter, however, or you will be in violation of most local laws, as studded tires can be hard on the road during non-winter conditions.
• If you are going to take the plunge and get snow tires, you must get a complete set. Buying only front or rear snow tires is a bad idea that will defeat the entire purpose of snow tires. If snow tires are on the drive axel of the vehicle, but not on the other, it results in unequal grip that will increase spin outs and slide offs.
• Snow tires aren’t going to eliminate skidding on ice and snow, but they can reduce the risk. Naturally, you are going to want to drive according to the conditions, and slow down and drive defensively when the conditions are particularly harsh.
• Just because you have a 44 or all-wheel drive vehicle, doesn’t mean you don’t need snow tires. In fact, driving an SUV or other four-wheel drive vehicle in the winter without proper tires can be even more dangerous, because the 4WD gives drivers a false sense of security. Without winter tires, heavy 4WD vehicles have a very difficult time stopping.
• There has been much advancement in snow tire technology in recent years. Once, snow tires were terribly loud and led to a bumpier ride. These newer compounds are much quieter and smoother than the snow tires of a couple decades ago, while being just as effective in achieving acceleration and braking in snow and ice.
• When you get your snow tires installed and begin driving in adverse conditions, take extra time to getting a feel for the new handling traits. The traction characteristics will be much different than your normal tires, so caution should be taken to ensure that you are familiar with the new tires.
• It’s best not to wait until the conditions are already icy and snowy to install new snow tires. Like all tires, snow tires are comprised of multiple layers of various compounds and thus require a break-in period before maximum performance is achieved. It is best if you put about 100 miles on your snow tires on dry roads, so as to get the most out of them when on snow and ice.

6 Craziest Things Found in Used Cars

Of all the ups and downs that go with the used car market, one of the craziest things buyers and dealers have to put up with is the things people leave behind. Whether youre buying a used car at a market, a local dealership, or through the want ads, chances are you might find something left behind. Here are some wacky examples provided by buyers.

1. Vermin

 
One dealer tells a story of a great car he bought at a sale, one that was worth a lot of money. But every other dealer had passed it up, despite the value, because it had a strong, shall we say, ODOR about it. Turns out, the owner had left the window slightly cracked, just enough for a bird to get in, but not enough so it could find its way out again. The bird perished under the drivers seat, and the corpse created the awful smell in the car. The dealer removed the bird and paid someone to drive the vehicle back to his dealership but notes that when they stopped for lunch, this particular driver didnt have much of an appetite.

Rats are another common squatter in cars and sometimes, not even in abandoned ones. They like to make nests in dark places out of, among other things, paperso a glove compartment fits their needs quite nicely. Its a common story to hear of people finding a nest, and sometimes a litter of rats, in their glove compartment.

2. Drugs and Alcohol

 
The most common story heard from dealers is about finding joints or bags of marijuana tucked into various nooks and crannies of a car. One dealer thought one was a discarded gum wrapper until an associate asked, Did you want to keep that? and then took it for himself! Another story involved a sale of a car in the edge of the Appalachian mountains, where the buyer found a half-gallon jar full of homemade moonshine in the back seat.

3. Weapons

 
Theres a funny story on an internet message board about this topic, where the buyer found a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver between the seats, engraved with the name of the owner of the dealershipwho was likely pleased to get it back. Another user on the same thread tells about finding a rifle with telescopic sights welded on; perhaps the previous owner of his car was a bit of a stalker! In addition to guns, people report also finding knives of all shapes and sizes.

4. Romantic or Not Momentos

 
Another car buyer talks about finding a marriage license that got stuck behind the dash pad of a Corvette he bought. Even though the license was seven years old, he looked up the mans name in the phone book and gave him a call. Unfortunately the couple was already in the middle of a divorce, but he returned the license anyway.

Another story involves a man who found a Dear John letter from a woman breaking off her engagement. The diamond engagement ring was enclosed, and the letter concluded with You can do what you please with the enclosed. The buyer presumed that the fiance was pleased to pass the diamond on to the cars new owner.

5. Body Parts

 
Imagine buying a car and finding a severed finger under the floormat! Unlike the dead animals, this one didnt create a smell, as it was old and fairly dried up. The car had previously been in a wreck, but no one knows if thats what caused the person to lose their finger or not. The county coroners office picked up the severed finger from the new owner.

6. Cash and Jewelry

 
One used car dealer found a bag stuffed full of cash in the glove compartment. Unfortunately, the contents turned out to be all one-dollar bills, wadded into a pile and totalling about $40. That didnt add up to much but a few years later, the same dealer found a diamond watch in another car, which helped supplement his income quite a bit!

All in all, if you buy a used car, you may not find anything extraordinary; chances are that the previous owner will have cleaned it out, if not cleaned it up. But you never knowkeep your eyes (and nose!) peeled and you never know what you might turn up.

Tips To Get Your Car To Use Less Gas

Gas prices seem to be raising everyday, and the option of cycling fifty miles to work everyday is appearing more and more appealing. Most people have been forced to wave a sad goodbye to family road trips and all other fun car-related activities, because they just cannot afford it. However, what if there was a way to get your car to use less fuel, without having to get a new expensive hybrid?

Well there is a way, and it is not too hard to make your car more fuel-efficient. Just follow these simple steps and you will be amazed at how much more you will be able to get from your car for less fuel.
 

1. Less aggressiveness please

It may feel fun and you may think you are getting to your destination faster by speeding, but not only is this dangerous and illegal; it greatly increases your fuel consumption thus, reducing your fuel economy.  Research has shown that most cars are at the peak of their fuel efficiency when being driven at 55 miles per hour.

Any faster and you begin to waste. A recent study on the Toyota Camry showed a speed increase up to 65mph from 55mph resulting in a drop in fuel economy by up to 5mpg (miles per gallon).

Rapid acceleration and sudden braking will also not do you much good. It can lower your fuel economy by up to 33%. Get your foot off the gas peddle and set your car on cruise control the next time you hit the freeway for a long journey; you will be surprised by how much fuel you will be able to save by just allowing your car to be.
 

2. Get some clean air in there

You might not have known this, but there is a very big connection between your air filter and your fuel economy.  The air filter is essentially designed to keep particles such as dirt and other materials from getting into the engine’s cylinders as they can cause massive havoc in there, resulting in lower engine performance.

Simply replacing a clogged filter and thus avoiding these particle problems has been proved to help you save on your gas mileage by 10%. Considering it would only cost you, about $20 to do yourself, this is an investment well worth your while.
 

3. Inflate your tires right

Having your tires inflated to the proper level should save you about 12 cents per gallon of fuel.  It is recommended that you do a check on your car’s tire pressure once every month at least.

Wait until your car has not been used for at least 1 hour and the tires are cool then check the tire pressure. You should find a sticker at the driver’s door, which will specify the correct pressure needed for your vehicle’s tires.

4. Oil matters

You need to get the right oil, not only to ensure your engine remains in tip top shape but also because using the specified oil in your engine can enhance your fuel efficiency by up to 3%.

Never use oil of a lower density than that which has been specified by the car manufacturers as this can damage the engine. You can find out the right type of oil to use by checking out the manual or the gas cap if the car is a newer model.

An oil change as frequently as specified by the manufacturer is also essential to keep things flowing smoothly, resulting into optimum engine performance and thus optimum fuel efficiency.
 

5. Shed off the extra weight

Stop wasting gas by hauling along unnecessary stuff in the trunk of your car.  Every extra 100 pounds that you carry, has been proven to reduce your fuel economy by up to 2%. Simply ease off the load, this includes anything being carried on the roof rack, you could save up to 8 cents on every gallon.

A Beginners Guide to Jump Starting a Car

For many people, especially women, the thought of jump starting a car is unnerving. In most cases, the fear of getting a vehicle started using jumper cables has to do with being shocked but it is also because of lack of knowledge. Although there is a right and wrong way to start a car this way, the process is nothing to fear. With the information provided, people will see this is not as difficult or scary as initially thought.

Importance of Learning

 
Everyone who drives should learn how to jump start a car but also have a pair of jumper cables in good condition in the trunk. Although this is something that drivers do every day, it is amazing how many drivers have never even tried to get a car started using cables. In addition to the obvious, learning to jump start a car is important specific to safety. Having jumper cables and knowing the right way to use them greatly reduces the risk of a driver being stranded, possibly in a higher risk area.

If someone is old enough to drive, it would be beneficial to learn basic car care and maintenance. Having general education about various things that could go wrong with a car not only reduces possible risk but also creates a sense of pride and accomplishment. Most people who have made the effort to learn proper car care are surprised that what was believed to be extremely hard was actually not that much at all.

Using Jumper Cables

 
The first option for jump starting a car is with jumper cables. While an individual could experience a shock by mishandling the cables, if each step is followed correctly, this seldom happens. Following are the specific steps a person would fall to get a car started:

• The vehicle with the dead battery and the vehicle that will be used for the jump need to face each other closely but without touching although the exact position of each battery would determine the best way to align the vehicles. For instance, if both cars have the battery on the right side, the cars would still face each other but slightly angled so the jumper cables can reach without being stretched.
• The ignition in both cars should be turned off and parking brakes set. Even if the jump will take place on a flat road, experts still recommend setting the emergency brake for added safety.
• The battery terminals for both vehicles should be clean. However, any visible dirt or corrosion, which often looks like white hardened bubbles, should be brushed off. Although not mandatory, it would help to keep a jump starting kit in the trunk of the vehicle to include the jumper cables but also rubber gloves and a wire brush. If a person does not have gloves, any corrosion that comes in contact with the skin should be rinsed off with water right away.
• While holding the jumper cables, the tips, regardless of side or color should never touch since this is what causes sparks to fly. Keeping the tips separated, one black and one red would be used for each vehicle. On the car with the dead battery, the red cable would be connected first to the positive side of the battery, which can be identified by the letters “POS” or a “+” sign. Next, the red cable would be connected to the running vehicle, following the same steps.
• With this done, the black cable would be connected first to the running vehicle by using the negative side of the battery identified by the letters “NEG” or a “-”sign. The other black cable would be attached to the car with the dead battery, again going through the same exact steps.

We want to point out that some people will connect both red and black cables to the vehicle with the dead battery first, followed by attaching the red and black cables to the running vehicle. Although this way is not wrong, top automotive experts recommend using the steps outlined above, stating this is the safest and most effective method.

• With the jumper cables securely attached to both vehicles, the engine for the car with the good battery would be started. For the quickest results, the cables should stay on for several minutes before trying to get the other car started. If the vehicle wants to start but hesitates, rev the engine of the car with the good battery while turning the key again. When a battery is extremely low, jumper cables might need to be left on for five minutes or slightly longer.
• Once the car starts, the cables would be removed but this time, the black jumper cable should carefully be removed from the running car, followed by the black cable being removed from the car that was just jumped. Next, the red cable would be disconnected from the running card and finally, the red cable taken off the battery terminal of the jumped vehicle.

It is also important that once the vehicle starts, the engine should not be turned off for at least 30 minutes to allow the battery to recharge. Usually, after jump starting a car it would restart easily but again, only if the battery was given the 30 minutes to recharge. However, if for some reason the vehicle’s engine will not turn on, there could be a problem beyond the battery that would need to be checked out by a trusted mechanic.

Car Accidents On Private Property: The Facts

Car accidents are not something anyone wants to go through. As well as the possibility of injury, there’s also the issue of who is liable for the accident to negotiate too – with all of the attendant insurance complications it can through up. One such situation that can arise is when the accident happens on private property.
Defining private property

To start with, we need to understand what constitutes private property. Broadly speaking, this can mean anywhere outwith the bounds of the public highway such as:

• Most car parks (i.e supermarket car parks, multi-stories or pay and display etc)
• Car parks or other spaces clearly marked as private property
• Private residences and private land (including private roads and private car parking spaces – whether marked as such or not)

What’s perhaps most surprising in that list is the fact that most car parks we’d refer to as public spaces such as supermarket car parks are in fact deemed to be private property in the eyes of the law. And, if an accident does happen within those bounds, it immediately becomes a trickier business to resolve any compensation/insurance claims. Here’s why.

In accidents on private property, the laws that apply to vehicles on public roads no longer apply. In fact, in car parks, accidents usually occur at such a low speed that the authorities won’t apply blame in those situations. It’s left to the insurance companies to be the final arbiters or judges as to who’s at fault and who should pay for damages.
What to do in such accidents

So, should be unlucky enough to be in an accident on private property make sure you:

• Take all relevant details of the other party (name, registration, insurance details etc) plus eye witness statements if at all possible. This will prove essential to your claim. If the other party refuses to supply their details at the very least you should take their registration number in order to help you pursue your claim.
• If you do run into problems with the other party you may wish to call the police – although they may not attend the scene if it on private property, so you might have to report to a police station with your account of the accident afterwards.
• Shunts and dunts on private property may not seem a big deal. After all, if it’s just a minor dent and nobody’s hurt, where’s the trouble? Well, make sure you let your insurance company know to be on the safe side – that way you’ll be better protected if someone tries to make a personal injury claim against you.

Who is at fault?

The issue of determining fault primarily comes down to the following:

• Who hit who and how, i.e. relevant to who was supposed to give way. This is where eye-witness testimonies become so important.
• If you are hit while backing out, responsibility is usually shared – in fact shared responsibility is a common outcome in most accidents in car parks.
• If you back into an illegally parked car on private property, you are sadly completely responsible it’s considered an unmoving object that’s part of your surroundings, which you ought to have been aware of.

Overall, the best policy with accidents on private property is to make sure you get all the relevant details of the incident, get eyewitnesses if at all possible and report it immediately to your insurance company and the police. Taking that approach may make all the difference to personal injury and damages claims.

What Defensive Steps can be Taken to Mitigate the Risk of an Accident?

It is almost a given that everyone will be involved in some sort of car accident if they’ve been driving for any period of time. These incidents can be as minor as a fender bender or as major as a twenty car pileup, but hopefully most people only experience the former. It is important to be a safe driver while out on the road to prevent these accidents, but learning to drive defensively will also go a long way in avoiding these occurrences. By following just a few simple rules, all drivers can mitigate their risk of experiencing any type of automobile crash.

Avoid any Distractions

The first step to driving defensively is avoiding any distractions. It is hard for a person to pay attention to what is going on around them and react effectively if they are concentrating on anything other than their own driving. Around two-thirds of car and light truck accidents are caused by driving fatigued, speeding and inattentiveness, so it is imperative for a person to focus all of their attention on the task at hand.

Cell phones are one of the most common distractions a person can engage in. People who are using the texting feature of their phone have been found to be just as likely to have an accident as a person who is drunk behind the wheel. Avoiding using a cell phone altogether while driving is the best advice a person can take. It’s also pertinent to avoid eating, drinking and rummaging for things in the back seat.

Notice Warning Signs

Noticing when others are distracted or even intoxicated behind the wheel is vital in maintaining safety and avoiding accidents. Drivers who are swerving or straddling lanes are either not paying attention to their driving or inebriated, and it is important to avoid either of these two types of drivers. An individual should keep a safe distance behind these vehicles if the neglectful drivers are in front of them, and they should never try to pass them.

Drunk drivers will sometimes use people in front of them as a guide to stay on the road. If it becomes obvious that a driver behind someone is likely intoxicated, then it is a good idea to pull into a parking lot or onto a side road to allow the possibly inebriated driver to pass. It is also possible to tell if a driver is intoxicated if they are going too fast or slow for conditions, making excessively wide or sharp turns or applying their brakes at inappropriate times (ie. green lights).

Stay Visible

Most drivers don’t purposefully sideswipe or rear end other vehicles; these accidents are often caused because that driver didn’t see the other vehicle or know what its driver was doing. This can usually be avoided by ensuring that all headlights and brake lights are working correctly. Properly working brake lights are easily one of the most important factors in avoiding a rear end collision.

Working lights, however, are not the only way drivers need to stay visible. It is also pertinent for an individual to engage in behaviors that will make sure they are noticed by other drivers. Always using turn signals is an easy way to accomplish this. It is also a good idea to avoid staying in another driver’s blind spot. Being one lane over and slightly behind another car likely puts a person in a blind spot, so that driver should either speed up or slow down to remove themselves from that area.

Adapt for Varying Road Conditions

A great number of people are surprised when they receive speeding tickets even when they were not exceeding the posted speed limit. These citations are often referred to as ‘driving too fast for conditions’. It doesn’t matter that a driver is under the posted speed limit if that limit is unsafe for driving at the time. This law exists because it is important to adjust to different road conditions.

One mistake that many people make is not slowing down when it begins to rain. Most people don’t realize that even a light sprinkle can make a road excessively slick due to the oil that accumulates on the asphalt. Other drivers may not adapt their driving for specific conditions, so it is also important for a driver to be even more alert to what’s going on around them if inclement weather or some other road hazard has occurred. This will increase the amount of time a person has to react if something unexpected suddenly occurs.

Engaging in defensive driving techniques is one of the best ways that a person can protect themselves and lessen their chances of being involved in an accident. Most people out on the roads today haven’t taken the time to read online articles on how to drive safely and defensively, so they are far more likely to engage in behaviors that can sometimes lead to serious tragedies. Knowing just a few defensive driving tactics will allow an individual to avoid and react to these dangerous drivers.

The World of Company Cars

Times are not as easy as they once were.  The current economic climate has caused many individuals and companies to cut their cloth accordingly and costs with it.  One of the first things that companies have cut – also doing so under the green pretext that many are working with nowadays – is the company car.  If you still have to take out clients, drive to and from work or make business trips, you’re going to have to get yourself your very own business car.  So what do you need to look out for?  What is going to make your life easier, keep your wallet heavy and still be smart enough that you can ferry clients around within?

Comfort
You are going to be in this car a lot, especially if you make a lot of business trips.  Remember, too, that you have to get back behind the wheel on weekends and holidays too – this will be your family car as well as your company car.  It has to be comfortable, therefore.  Not everyone has the same taste in comfort, however, so make sure you test out each and every car before you buy.  Do you prefer harder seats?  Does it have air conditioning or a CD auto-changer?  Whatever home comforts you feel you need, make sure that the car you’re going to buy has it: you’re going to be using it enough in all likelihood.  Not only do you have to think about yourself, but how about your family too?  Do you have young children that need ferrying around or how about a dog?  As this car is not just for the week, you need to make sure it is comfortable for everyone in every occasion: it should be versatile and easy to convert.

This car will need to be comfortable for everyone as it needs to look and feel good enough for your customers.  It’s no good just pleasing your family if your next client gets in the car and turns his nose up.  No, it’s very important to make sure that whoever gets in the car will feel at home and be able to relax.  Some of the best cars for this are modern saloons and estates.  With folding seats and comfortable upholstery, these cars allow you to transform them from a family car into a work saloon quickly and easily.  You can ferry Mr. Adams to the airport before driving to pick little Molly up from school without batting an eyelid.

Cost Efficient

As a company car, you’re going to be using this vehicle to commute to work every day.  Not only that, but you’re going to use it at weekends too, to take your children out or to drive to the country, while the car will also need to go on holiday too.  All of this points to fuel efficiency.  Some companies still offer a percentage of your petrol bill for your work related trips but most will not do so for your commutes.  Not only does the car have to cost little to run, but as you’re buying it yourself, it should be relatively cheap to purchase too.   Luckily, if you’re purchasing yourself, you may have more leeway in what you can buy than your company allowed you.  One possibility is to go second hand.  With second hand cars, they will often come cheaper but have higher running costs – the older they are the more problems they’re likely to have.

So it’s a good idea to research not only the reliability of the car – it’s no good buying a cheap Alfa Romeo if it’s going to break down every ten minutes – but the cost of spare parts and the like.  Sometimes, you will be able to pick up cheaper parts on certain cars as, remember, you have to look after all the maintenance yourself.

Parking Doesnt Have to Be a Hassle

Parking is one of those things that stresses out just about everyone. It always seems like just when you are running late and in what feels like the biggest hurry of your life, you are unable to find parking. Without parking, you are stuck in your car driving around in circles for what feels like hours. Did you know on average it takes people between about 5 and 14 minutes to find a single parking space? With that kind of time being wasted on a regular basis, its no wonder people are stressing out over parking and choosing other options such as buses and taxis to get around. That money can add up pretty quickly and thats why we thought it was about time that we let you in on a few of the best ways to make parking much easier for yourself. Its great knowing you have so many options because at the end of the day, one thing you can never get back is your time.

Real-Time Parking Information and Directions

Can you imagine how amazing it would be to know exactly where parking is at all times so you dont have to drive around like a chicken with your head cut off? Well, we are proud to announce that many cities are actually incorporating wonderful systems into their roads and parking spaces that do just that. This means, much less time and gas wasted and there is much less traffic being caused. With the estimates as to just how long it takes for a single person to find a parking spot that we mentioned above, you can imagine just how much of a difference smarter parking can make.

You may be wondering how cities are able to track parking spots and send you the information (via signs that direct you where to go) and its actually quite simple. Basically, weight sensors are placed into each parking space and the data is sent to a control center. While this technology isnt exactly cheap, its something that more cities are adding all of the time to make parking easier than ever before.

Applications That Help You Find Parking

While the technology we listed above is exciting, there are even easier ways to track parking and do so before you even arrive to the area. There are many applications these days that not only track parking spaces in the area but are literally updated in real-time. This is fantastic because you are never going to have to wonder whether or not you are going to be able to find parking. The less time you have to waste driving around in circles, the more time you are going to have to get to where you are going. These apps have definitely made parking much less stressful for us.

Pay For Your Parking Space Before You Arrive

Some of the applications we have listed above are also able to help you reserve your parking spaces before you arrive to your destination. With this option, you can find and pay for parking before you even leave the house. This means you are going to never have to wonder where that perfect parking space is and your entire experience is going to change. We love everything these apps can do because parking has always been one of those things that we dread the most; especially when it comes to airports. There are just always so many people driving around, completely lost and confused and we dont want to be those people anymore.

Payment Locations at the Parking Garage Entry

Have you ever noticed that it can take quite a long time to pay for your parking once you are leaving parking garages? This is something we never understood because you waste so much time sitting there in a long line that never seems to end. Because of this, many parking garages actually make you pay before your return to your car. Sure, you may need to stand in line but thats much better and easier than being forced to stay in your car longer than you have to.

Cars Can Actually Help You Park Like Never Before

Cars are fantastic these days. They are able to do all sorts of things for us that just werent possible in the past. One of our favorite features would have to be the help when it comes to parking. Not only do some cars have cameras behind them so you never have to wonder whether or not the coast is clear but some are actually capable of doing all of the work for you. Parking has never been easier and we are excited to see what else is in store for us in the future. Safety is becoming easier to find.

Automotive Lift Certification: Another Level of Safety

An auto repair garage is one of the most dangerous places a person can go. One misplaced tool or simple mistake, and the consequences could be absolutely tragic. That’s why, in most cases, garages are subject to stringent safety rules and anyone who enters the garage must have proper training and, when appropriate, safety equipment.

One type of tool that requires training before use is the auto lift. Auto lifts are the devices that raise vehicles above a technicians head, allowing easy access to the underside of the car. While the design and operation of one of these tools may seem simple, their dangerous nature requires proper technique to ensure the safety of both the operator and everyone in the garage.

In fact, many commercial garages will only purchase auto lifts that are certified by the Automotive Lift Institute. When you install a certified lift, it’s a sign to customers and employees that you take safety seriously and want to ensure your auto lifts are used properly.
 

Automotive Lift Institute Certification

When someone wants to open a restaurant, they can’t simply open their kitchen and start serving food. There is a complex series of rules and regulations to follow that ensure that the food and food preparation areas are as clean as possible and run properly to ensure the safety of those preparing the food, as well as, those who will eat it.

ALI lift certification serves a similar purpose. The organization uses government standards to evaluate and determine the safety of automotive lift machines. These standards look at the lift’s design, construction, installation, maintenance and operating procedures to ensure everything is done properly and with safety in mind. The certification not only gives you peace of mind that the lift your considering for  your shop is as safe as can be for those working on the cars, it’s also safe for the cars themselves. Imagine the costs associated with a vehicle that falls off the lift; not only are injuries likely, but such an event can irreparably damage a vehicle.
 

Certification Process

Getting an ALI certification for a vehicle lift is not a simple process, however. A lift manufacturer cannot simply call and request a certification, or apply for the designation.

To be declared a certified lift, the machine must undergo a thorough inspection by a qualified professional from ALI. To even be considered, the lift model must be listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL); this listing indicates that the lift was manufactured by a recognized company in strict accordance with established design and construction protocols.

Qualifying lifts are then inspected by an ALI representative. The inspection is thorough, and the inspector will test the operation of the lift using established governmental standards. Every nut, bolt, screw and button is inspected and tested, and any deficiencies must be corrected before the lift is certified. The shop must also have easily accessible and up-to-date manuals and instructions, as well as operator safety guidelines, on hand in order to pass inspection.

The process does not end with a successful inspection, though. ALI certification is an ongoing process, and a lift can lose its designation if the manufacturer does not properly continue a commitment to quality and safety in the design and manufacture of their product. After a lift earns the credential, ALI representatives perform regular audits and inspections to ensure that roper quality control procedures are followed within individual shops and that the lift continues to be well-maintained and safely operated.
 

Important Considerations

While it’s important to purchase an ALI certified lift for your shop, there are some similar designations that are often confused for ALI certification. Avoid lifts that are listed as Certification Pending, as the ALI does not allow for any such designation; lifts designated as CE are also not truly certified by American standards, as the designation is European and the electrical standards are not the same. When buying lifts, read the documentation carefully and know exactly what you are buying, keeping in mind that a used lift may have been repaired with non-original manufacturer’s parts, thereby negating the certification.

Choosing a certified lift for your shop is a good choice for the safety of your employees and customers, and protects against serious damages or injuries. Before you buy a lift, do some research to ensure the model you’re considering is certified, and enjoy the peace of mind that the designation offers.

How to Drive in Snow Without Crashing

Probably the most difficult and certainly the most dangerous conditions that the average driver regularly has to contend with is snow. Should you live in an area with annual freezing Winters, there a number of simple things that you can do to greatly reduce the chances of you getting into a collision.

Winter Tires

Regardless of how many articles you read about correctly driving in snowy weather, you simply cannot handle ice without adequate grip. Adequate grip can only be found in tires that have a thread depth of at least 6/32inches. You may notice that your apparent all weather tires don’t possess such a depth and that unfortunately means that they do not possess enough grip to handle the roads on a snowy day. You’re only option for adequately handling ice is tires that are designed specifically for the purpose, they are imaginatively named Winter tires.

Winter Lights

When I say Winter lights, I don’t mean that you actually need to equip your car with new lights, rather that you both drive with front lights that are on and that are cleared of any snow. When driving in snowy conditions, you really want to have as few unexpected things on front of you as possible and short of beeping your horn like a madman on the way to the shop, keeping your lights on at all times is the best way of achieving this.

Plan your Route

This of course is not completely possible but a large portion of the danger involved in driving to work in the snow can be avoided with a few minutes of thought before you set off about where you should and should not drive. If you have lived in an area for enough snowy Winters, you are likely to be aware of the places that tend to get the most ice. Simply avoiding such areas could be considered the most effective tip on this list.

Leave as Much Time to Stop As Possible

As you are likely aware, stopping in a hurry on an icy road can at times be impossible. Regardless of the tyres that you are using or how good of a driver you consider yourself to be when it comes to driving in snowy conditions, the easiest away to avoid having an accident is to simply leave ample space between you and other vehicles. You never know when they will have to stop in a hurry and it is also worth noting that regardless of whose fault a collision is, the driver of the car behind is always the one that has to foot the bill.

Don’t Drive Blind

One of the key aspects of driving safely in Winter conditions is to take all necessary precautions before you set off. You need to make sure that your visibility is near perfect when first setting out as it is only likely to get worse, not better as you drive.

• To start with, you can get rid of all condensation by turning the heater on. This should be done a few minutes before you start your journey and you should not turn it off until you reach your destination.
• When it comes to the outside of your windows, you not only need to make sure that they are clear but also that they will remain so. Always test your windshield wipers before leaving home and carry both an extra pair and extra wiper fluid should you run out. This may sound unnecessary but you certainly wouldn’t think so if you found yourself attempting to drive through snow without working wipers.

Don’t Over Steer

Finally, if you do get into a sticky situation and you find that your front tires have lost their grip, the first thought that enters most peoples minds is to attempt to turn. This will almost always make things worse however because once your front tires regain their grip, they are likely to jerk in the direction that they are currently pointed in. Therefore always try to change the direction of the steering wheel as little as possible when you find that you have lost your grip on the road.

Nine Ways to Add Years to your Car Life

Should you be worrying that your car is getting on a bit or you’ve simply recently purchased a new car and want to keep it in top condition, there are a number of easy steps that you can take. Each one only takes a few minutes/dollars at a time but could easily save you thousands in the long run.

Only Use Quality Fuel

While discounted gas may save you money in the short term, over the long run cutting corners in fuel quality will reduce the lifespan of your car. Many discount chains such as Costco can afford to offer such big discounts as they are selling dated fuel. Such fuel is significantly more likely to contain sludge which leads to nasty engine blockages.

Wash Your Car During Winter

Many car owners don’t bother to wash their car during the Winter as the generally lousy weather tends to cause that newly washed look to barely last the journey home. The fact is however that washing your car is not only about aesthetics, it is also about getting sand and debris off of your car before it can cause serious damage. The fact that Winter leads to more road debris is actually a reason to wash it more rather than less often.

Don’t Ignore Your Cooling System

While oil and water levels are generally looked after by almost all drivers, your engines cooling system is equally important and at times forgotten. Regular checks are essential together with frequent coolant top ups. And while many drivers happily use water or coolant alone, doing so will damage your cooling system over time. If you want your cooling system to last, the correct ratio of fifty percent coolant and fifty percent water should be used.

Follow Your Maintenance Schedule

Most cars come complete with a maintenance schedule including particular checks that should be performed at various mileage milestones. Many car owners don’t bother following them however. Not only will keeping to your cars maintenance schedule make your car last longer, it is also likely to save you significant time and money in terms of visits to your local mechanic.

Break Your Car in Gently

The first thousand miles of any cars life are highly significant as it is at this point that the engine is at its most fragile. Wherever possible stay below sixty miles per hour and switch the engine off rather than leaving it idle for long periods of time. Putting too much pressure on your cars engine during the first one thousand miles may not show any immediate damage but over the long run, it’ll become all too apparent.

Check Your Car Every Time You Fill Up
Spending two minutes doing important checks every other time you fill up the tank can add years to a cars life. A quick check of the tyres, a quick wipe of the battery with a damp cloth and a brief look over the engine as a whole will have you going again in no time but it can make all the difference, particularly if you spot a problem that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.

Look After Your Tyres

While regularly keeping your tires in optimum condition and changing them when needed is well known to be important when it comes to fuel efficiency, it is also important to the overall health of your car. Driving with poor tyres lowers the life of your suspension, transmission and even your engine.

Find a Mechanic That You Trust

While you can visit almost any doctor and get the same quality of care, the same can sadly not be said about mechanics. And while most people are aware of the potential increased costs incurred by visiting a dishonest mechanic, a lazy mechanic who fails to spot potential problems before they happen can cost you even more.

Drive Smarter

Finally, drive with caution. Not only are you less likely to have an accident which would render all of these points pointless but driving aggressively lowers your cars lifespan significantly. In particular, avoid the following:

• Never race your engine during start up.
• Shift to neutral while at red lights.
• Avoid high speeds and/or rapid acceleration during extreme weather conditions, both hot and cold.
• Avoid potholes while driving and curbs while parking.
• Don’t hold your steering wheel in the extreme right or left position for more than a few seconds at a time.
• Remember that the most damage to your engine occurs during the first ten minutes of any journey.

In conclusion, most of the tips in this list are very much common sense. The key to a longer lasting car is all about preventing damage occurring before it happens. And while many of these tips will cost money in the short term, over the long run the savings are significant.

UK Driving Licenses: What Can I Drive?

The UK operates a rather confusing and jargon-filled road vehicle categorisation system that can be rather hellish for new motorists, visitors and professional drivers to decipher. There are plenty of reasons why a person may be interested in just what they’re entitled to drive: a young person who wants to gain some freedom may wonder what they can drive soonest, or how quickly they can access the bikes or cars they really want to drive. Others may wonder if they can drive a minibus for a voluntary event, or what they’ll have to do to move into a certain line of work. This article aims to simplify the information out there, to be useful to these groups.

Mopeds – Category P

British people who want to get on the road as soon as possible find that their earliest opportunity comes in the form of a 50 cc, speed limited Moped. It may not be glamorous (outside of continental Europe, anyhow), but the 16 year old suddenly granted the freedom to ride anywhere they want with (relative) speed has little to complain about. Moped riders have to attend a compulsory basic training (CBT) course to validate a provisional moped license: thereafter, you can ride with L-plates, but without going on motorways and passengers. Full licenses require a theory and practical driving test. Anyone with a full car license must still attend a CBT course to validate mopeds.
 

Motorcycles – Category A

Either as a cheap way to get around, or a rather more showy way, the British driver can legally ride a motorcycle from the age of 17 upwards. A compulsory basic training (CBT) course must be taken – in fact, if you take it on a moped before 17, you’re automatically entitled to ride a Motorcycle on your provisional license once you reach 17. Full motorcycle licenses are granted on completion of a theory and practical test, however the bike you ride on during the test will restrict the bikes you’re qualified to ride.

If tested on a bike between 120cc and 125cc, you will qualify for a standard rather than light license. For two years after qualifying, (or until the age of 21) you will be restricted from riding large motorcycles (over 25kW / 33bhp). Large motorcycles additionally require completion of the large motorcycle Direct Access Scheme.
 

Cars and Light Vans – Category B

The minimum age for driving a car or light van is 17, with provisional licenses issued first and full licenses issued after passing a driving and theory test. Cars and light vans have a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of 3,500kg. Full category B licenses also entitle drivers to tow a trailer weighing up to 750kg (or if over 750kg the weight of vehicle and trailer not exceeding 3,500kg). If a test is taken in an automatic, the license holder will only be able entitled to drive an automatic. Anyone receiving Disability Living Allowance “at the higher rate” is entitled to drive from age 16.
 

Medium and Large sized vehicles – Category C1 and C
Medium sized vehicles weigh between 3,500kg and 7,500 kg (C1). Large sized vehicles are any vehicle over 3,500kg (C): the overlap allows for younger drivers to legally drive lower weighted vehicles without holding a comprehensive large vehicle license. Both separately require tests to be taken in suitable vehicles. The minimum age for C1 driving is 18, whereas C driving is 21.
 

Minibuses and Buses – Category D1 and D

Vehicles with between nine and sixteen passenger seats are classed as minibuses (D1 license). A more comprehensive bus license (D) for vehicles with nine passenger seats and over is also obtainable. Drivers must be 21 or over, and must take a practical test in a relevant vehicle.

Holders of B license vehicles may be entitled to drive minibus sized vehicle of 3.5 tonnes (used for social purposes by a non commercial body) if: aged 21, having held a category B license for at least 2 years and  driving on a voluntary basis.
 

Other categories

Licenses must be issued and tests taken for the following vehicles : Agricultural vehicles (F, 17), Road rollers (G, 21) Tracked vehicles (H, 21) and mowing machines (K, 16).
 

New Driving License Rules: January 2013

The above information will apply to every license issued before the 19th of January 2013 and will remain applicable for the rest of your driving life. However, the UK government is bringing in changes for everyone who learns to drive on or after this date. The main differences include:
 

1. New categories for mopeds, motorcycles and tricycles will be introduced

• Moped top-speeds are being reduced to 28mph (45km/h). A category for 25km/h mopeds is also being created;
• The automatic entitlement to graduate from 125cc motorcycles after two years will be scrapped – riders will have to take a test or possibly a 7 hour training course (though still after two years);
• A new category for midrange motorcycles (power output 35kW, power weigh ratio 0.2kW per kg) is being created, with the same two-year wait then test / training graduation to something even bigger;
• Direct access to the largest motorcycles can only be gained by riders 24 years or over.

2. Two new categories of license are to be introduced for small vehicles towing trailers: one for 750kg+ trailers where trailer and vehicle weight exceed 3,500kg, and another for trailers which weigh more than 3,500 kg;

3. The minimum age for driving a category D vehicle (i.e. a Bus) is increasing to 24 (though there are many ways of bringing down this age by taking additional tests or being in certain professions).

4. Large vehicles and Bus licenses will only be valid for five years with renewals required every five years – under the age of 45, drivers need only submit a written declaration that they meet medical standards. Over 45 and they will need to provide a medical examination report proving it;

5. A new driver’s license card design will accompany the changes.

Could This Be The Year The Electric Car Takes Over The World?

In the future, you might just find the next car you purchase will have an electric engine. With technology constantly progressing its only a matter of time before it overtakes the gas engine. Youre probably breathing a sigh of relief now as a lot of your wages will be going on filling up the tank. Can you imagine how much it will improve our environment? Soon you will be able to breathe in clean air as you drive to work using your electric engine, plus save a ton of money.

Have we wasted a hundred years?

Right at the beginning of the 20th century electric cars were becoming a lot more popular. A sixth of all cars were in fact electric. People liked them because they were a lot cleaner and quieter than gas cars. They were also a lot more efficient, but they did have their problems.

They broke pretty easily. People didnt like this. The battery was heavy and expensive. The thing that irritated people the most was the fact they couldnt drive long distances and they were very slow. We were entering a time where you needed to drive further than two miles down the road.

People wanted them for long distances and they were unable to match expectations. Speed was also an issue. If people had the choice between fast and slow cars they were always going to go for the speed. Scientists tried to fix the problems with the electric cars, but to no avail. Eventually they fell away and gas engine cars became what they are today.

One hundred years later

Around the start of the 21st century the Japanese car manufacturer, Toyota, released the worlds first mass produced hybrid car. The Prius would go on to sell 18,000 cars within the first year of production. This was a huge step in the right direction. A hybrid car is a cross between a gas car and an electric one. It combines the two sources of power.

This isnt perfect, but it was something. Soon all the big manufacturers would begin releasing their own hybrid cars over the next few years. These were all released on lease so not much was sold. They all had the bright idea to cancel their 100% electric programs because they thought they found the next big thing. Were they right? They thought they were.

Soon to take over the world

Now you have the Tesla Model S, the electric car that could soon take over the world. The future is definitely going to be the electric car and its just a matter of time before we can all afford one. But for now you will have to shell out over $50,000 for one of these beauties. The amount of capabilities is nothing short of extraordinary.

It can reach speeds of over 60mph in under 4.4 seconds, all while being completely silent. If youre worried about long journeys you shouldt be. You can travel 300 miles between charges, and do you know how much a single charge should cost you? About $10. For the money youd save in gas you will make back the price of the car in no time. Id start saving.

Kia Sets Guinness World Record

Is it impossible for a hybrid gas/electric car to go cross country without either using regular gas, or not using gas all the way? Most people would say yes. However, in 2011 Kia Motors set out to prove everyone wrong-and they did. They set a Guinness World Record for the lowest gas consumption in a hybrid vehicle driving across 48 states. Two hypermilers, Wayne Gerdes and Chris Bernius were the actual passengers in the car, complete with luggage. They set out from the Kia factory in West Point, Georgia using a Kia Optima hybrid sedan and drove about 7,899 miles through the lower 48 states using only five full tanks of gas, ending up in South Carolina. They ended up at 64.55 miles per gallon, beating the cars EPA standard by 61.37 percent. Thats quite an achievement. A representative of Guinness World Records was there to record what happened, and after a very thorough verification process, presented Gerdes and Bernius with their certificate at a ceremony at the Kia factory in West Point, Georgia on September 12, 2011. A hypermiler is a driver who strives to exceed a cars EPA standard gas milage. And he sure did exceed the Optimas EPA standard using simple driving techniques and not the driving techniques that the average person uses.

And it wasnt just driving on quiet country roads, either. Gerdes and Bernius had to drive through all kinds of challenging weather situations without outside support, from freezing cold to extremely hot temperatures. They also had to deal with stop and go rush hour traffic in Chicago, New York City and Las Vegas, Nevada. At all times, the Kia Optima hybrid sedan kept going without a hitch. And, considering the Kia Optima Hybrid is a full-fledged mid-sized sedan and not a small car or even a sub-compact small car, this achievement is even more impressive. The Kia Optima hybrid sedan was introduced to the public in late 2011 and has turned out to be a hit. The Optima hybrid not only has a standard electrical motor used in all hybrids, it also has a lithium polymer battery designed to aid the regular motor in lowering gas consumption. The driver can operate the car in either electric mode, gas mode or both, especially useful while driving up hill. For downhill driving, the Kia Optima automatically shuts off the gas motor and just relies on the electric motor, thus conserving gas. What is really impressive is that the driver is not sacrificing performance for gas conservation and ecological purposes. The Kia Optima hybrid model has just as much power as its gas-powered counterpart, and matches or exceeds the competitions models.

Hybrid technology is quickly becoming the standard for automobiles. Now that its been proven that a hybrid can travel the same distance as a gas-powered vehicle, its only a matter of time until hybrids become the new standard on the roads. As car technology advances, we might even see a full electric car doing the same thing. This is good news for everyone thIs it impossible for a hybrid gas/electric car to go cross country without either using regular gas, or not using gas all the way? Most people would say yes. However, in 2011 Kia Motors set out to prove everyone wrong-and they did. They set a Guinness World Record for the lowest gas consumption in a hybrid vehicle driving across 48 states. Two hypermilers, Wayne Gerdes and Chris Bernius were the actual passengers in the car, complete with luggage. They set out from the Kia factory in West Point, Georgia using a Kia Optima hybrid sedan and drove about 7,899 miles through the lower 48 states using only five full tanks of gas, ending up in South Carolina. They ended up at 64.55 miles per gallon, beating the cars EPA standard by 61.37 percent. Thats quite an achievement. A representative of Guinness World Records was there to record what happened, and after a very thorough verification process, presented Gerdes and Bernius with their certificate at a ceremony at the Kia factory in West Point, Georgia on September 12, 2011. A hypermiler is a driver who strives to exceed a cars EPA standard gas milage. And he sure did exceed the Optimas EPA standard using simple driving techniques and not the driving techniques that the average person uses.

And it wasnt just driving on quiet country roads, either. Gerdes and Bernius had to drive through all kinds of challenging weather situations without outside support, from freezing cold to extremely hot temperatures. They also had to deal with stop and go rush hour traffic in Chicago, New York City and Las Vegas, Nevada. At all times, the Kia Optima hybrid sedan kept going without a hitch. And, considering the Kia Optima Hybrid is a full-fledged mid-sized sedan and not a small car or even a sub-compact small car, this achievement is even more impressive. The Kia Optima hybrid sedan was introduced to the public in late 2011 and has turned out to be a hit. The Optima hybrid not only has a standard electrical motor used in all hybrids, it also has a lithium polymer battery designed to aid the regular motor in lowering gas consumption. The driver can operate the car in either electric mode, gas mode or both, especially useful while driving up hill. For downhill driving, the Kia Optima automatically shuts off the gas motor and just relies on the electric motor, thus conserving gas. What is really impressive is that the driver is not sacrificing performance for gas conservation and ecological purposes. The Kia Optima hybrid model has just as much power as its gas-powered counterpart, and matches or exceeds the competitions models.

Hybrid technology is quickly becoming the standard for automobiles. Now that its been proven that a hybrid can travel the same distance as a gas-powered vehicle, its only a matter of time until hybrids become the new standard on the roads. As car technology advances, we might even see a full electric car doing the same thing. This is good news for everyone the car industry, drivers and the environment. Keep an eye on this advancing technology as time goes on.

How To Drive Safely 6 Tips

Whether you’re a trucker spending almost all day every day behind the wheel or you commute to work and back each day, if you’re spending significant amounts of time behind the wheel it’s paramount you always put safety first. When you’re getting behind the wheel of any vehicle you’re in control of something that has the potential to be deadly.

Speed

 
This is the obvious one, despite what some drivers might think the speed limit is actually there for our safety rather than our inconvenience. If you’re driving a small or family size petrol car you want to be in third gear at thirty and this will stop you speeding. If you’re caught speeding you can face getting points on your licence (which will increase your insurance premium) and a fine. If you’re caught speeding more than 45% over the limit you could find yourself being banned from driving and looking at a court case and of course any more than 12 points on your licence will result in you being disqualified from driving.

A common mistake most drivers make when they suddenly see a static speed camera or a speed van at the side of the road is to slam their breaks on. Don’t do this, if you were going so fast you’re above the limit it’s better to accept your three points and your £60 fine than risk having the car behind you slam into the back of you because they weren’t expecting you to break.

Maintenance

 
You are required to check the vitals of your car before every journey, the lights, engine fluid levels and tires all need to be working and in legal condition. If you’re caught driving with illegal tires or a faulty light you could find yourself being charged with dangerous driving and if you’re involved in a fatal accident you could be charged with manslaughter.

It might not be practical to check the engine coolant and dip stick every day but it doesn’t take more than a few seconds to circle the car to look at the wheels. Most wheels have a tread marker on them which will indicate the legal 1.6mm legal minimum tread. Bald tyres are not only illegal they’re also very inefficient; you’ll consume much more fuel with either under inflated or low tread tyres.

Mental State

 
Some people claim they like to go for a drive to clear their head, to be honest those people are worrying. They’re the ones who keep getting a little too close to the bumper of the car in front or they don’t notice that red light until the last second. It’s essential you keep a clear and focused head when you’re driving. If you’re preoccupied, tied, bored or just not concentrating you’re not safe.

For every two hours of continuous driving you should stop for a ten minute break. If you’re driving a truck or lorry professionally in the European Union you’re legally required to take a 45 minute break every four and a half hours and you can’t legally drive for more than nine hours in any one day. You know when you’re getting tied, if you can feel your eyelids dropping or your head falling, find somewhere safe, pull over and have a nap. Its better you reach your destination a little late and alive than a lot late in a wooden box.

Be Aware

 
The average car driver doesn’t have the highest opinion of the average biker, the average horse box doesn’t think much of the average car driver and no one seems to like white van drivers. Whatever stereotype you have you need to make sure you put it out your brain when you’re driving. Always be aware of what’s going on around you and plan ahead. Keep an eye out for any signs, you need to know when there’s a sharp bend coming up (you might need to break, as might the vehicle in front of you), when you’re driving past a school (there might be a reduced speed limit if you’re driving past within school hours) and any other obstacles that might present themselves.

Motorways

 
Technically motorways are the safest roads to drive on in Britain, mile for mile they have less accidents than A, B and country roads combined. Unfortunately when there is an accident it’s usually much more devastating than on any other road and they’re usually preventable by knowing what’s going on around you.

You don’t have to drive on a motorway to pass your test, this means you could be behind, next to, or in front of someone who’s never driven on a motorway in their life so always bear that in mind. Before you head onto any motorway make sure you know your route, you can travel quite a distance just taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds so you don’t want to be updating sat navs or checking maps while driving. If you’re really stuck wait until the next exit where you can pull up safely and check.

Know the road

 
The roads are covered with signs, colours, and markers etc that tell us everything we need to know. From different coloured cats eyes to the level of street lighting, all the basic information is there. If you’re not sure what the speed limit is and you’re in a residential area with street lights it will be 30mph unless otherwise stated at regular intervals. If you’re on a rural road or duel carriage way with no lighting the speed limit will usually be national unless otherwise stated at regular intervals.

No matter how long you’re been driving, it never hurts to pick up the Highway Code and brush up on your knowledge. Ignorance is never an excuse, if you’re ever pulled over you won’t get out of trouble by claiming you didn’t know the rules of the road.

Breaking The Dealerships Stranglehold On Aftermarket Service And Repairs

A common complaint of UK motorists for many years has been that car manufacturers and their franchised dealerships have had them over a barrel when it comes to aftermarket service and repairs.  Manufacturers have viciously guarded the specialist tools required to fix many of the issues that may arise with their vehicles.  Independent garages and body shops were unable to purchase or lay hands on such equipment; resulting in motorists being left with no option but to take their vehicle to an authorised dealership.  With engines becoming ever more complex and increasing electronic systems, such as onboard diagnostics; motorists were faced with having to rely on dealerships on a more frequent basis.  Not a welcoming prospect when you consider that many charge an hourly rate that is at least twice that of an independent garage.

False dawn

In June 2007 it seemed that the UK motorists’ prayers had been answered as the European Union passed regulation EC 715/2007.  The legislation, which was latterly amended in EC 692/2008, put in place provisions whereby manufacturers must allow access to their technical information and tools required to service and repair their vehicles.  Suddenly it was possible for independent garages, equipment manufacturers and suppliers to get hold of items that had previously been off limits to them.  Finally motorists could take their car to the local garage and leave it in the hands of a mechanic that they knew and trusted and who wouldn’t charge them an extortionate rate.  At least that was the theory.

Reality bites

In truth the impact that the EU legislation has had on the automotive aftermarket has been negligible.  Whilst the ideal sounds great; the truth is that many of the specialist tools required to identify or solve specific issues on particular cars is beyond the financial means of smaller garages.  For example, the right equipment to safely remove a diesel injector from the Renault 2.2dCi engine costs in the region of £2,500.  Then you have to consider the numerous other engines out there and specialist tools required to fix each specific problem.  Kitting out a garage capable of dealing with all problems, on all car models, would cost a small fortune with very few if any items delivering a return on investment.  Even if a garage did have the resources to purchase all of these tools; a lack of storage space would render the exercise futile.

A new hope?

One answer for independents garages is to hire tools for a short period, as and when they are required to complete specific jobs.  This way they can retain customer loyalty and increase their profits.  Of course, the cost of hiring the tool or equipment is added to the motorists invoice.  However, the savings made from paying an hourly rate that is at least half of what they would at a dealership, means that such an arrangement still works out cheaper.  They also have the convenience of being able to take their car to a nearby garage – a real plus when driving the vehicle is problematic or even impossible.

The aftermarket automotive industry has been slow on the uptake and there has been little in the way of tool hire services.  However, a company called Rent2Repair has commenced trading in May 2012, with the aim of taking advantage of this gap in the market.  For a small monthly subscription fee, members have access to specialist tools for which they pay a rental charge, dependent on the value of the tool.  Rent2Repair provide a next day delivery service, meaning little delay for the motorist.  The item is then collected once the garage has finished with it.

So the next time you have a problem with your car; don’t immediately head for the nearest dealership.  It could be that your local garage is a member of a loan tool service and can get hold of the right equipment to handle your job.  If the garage isn’t enrolled in such a scheme, then they may consider joining if you raise the issue with them.  Whether Rent2Repair and other similar businesses succeed and break the stranglehold that dealerships have on certain areas of the automotive aftermarket remains to be seen.  But at least there is now a viable system in place that helps provide consumers the right to choose where they take their cars and independent garages to ability to compete in a fair market.

How to Buy a BMW Peformance Exhaust

Taking care of your BMW vehicle is so important if you want to keep it on the road.  It does not matter if the car is an older one or is brand new, you still need to make sure that all of its parts are running efficiently so that you have a smooth and enjoyable ride.  If you happen to need parts, like a BMW performance exhaust, you will want to go online and order one for the car.  You can have the product in a matter of just a few days with a few clicks of your mouse.
 

About BMW Performace Exhause

The BMW performance exhaust will help your vehicle to run more efficiently.  This product is ideal for older cars that have rusted exhaust systems and need them to be replaced.  If you bought a used car that has a bad exhaust, you can also buy a new one so that you do not run into any problems when driving the car.  In general, your BMW needs and deserves a good-working exhaust system that will enhance the cars overall performance.  You can easily achieve this by purchasing the right product using the site online.
 

What to Know

Before you can be presented with a variety of different products, you will need to choose your specific make and model of the car.  The reason for this is so that the website can give you a list of only the products that work well for your vehicle.  You will find that this helps greatly when you go to order the product and then have it installed by your mechanic.  Once you choose your make and model, you can search through a number of products that will work on and for your car.  You will be able to see a BMW performance exhaust system there that is available for purchase.
 

Smart Pricing

The price of this exhaust system is comparable to many bigger name automotive companies, so there is really no need for you to comparison shop unless you feel that you need to.  You will feel confident in knowing that you are getting a great quality product that is going to be a perfect fit for your BMW.  You can then place the order, choose the shipping method and receive your order number within a few minutes.  Once the product is shipped out, you will receive a tracking number so that you know when to expect it by mail carrier.
 

Purchase Process

The entire process of buying your BMW exhaust product online is relatively quick and should be easy for you to do.  It is a lot easier and less time-consuming than traveling around to get to a local automotive shop near your home.  This is an especially vital feature if you can not drive your car until you get the part installed.  You just make a few clicks and your product is on its way to your front door in a hurry.  You can then have a BMW certified mechanic install the exhaust system for you at your own convenience.
 

Overall Thoughts

Owning your BMW is great when it runs well and has all of the right parts.  If your exhaust needs to be replaced, it is good to know that you do not have to search around just to find an affordable replacement part.  You just order the exhaust online and it is on its way to your house.  You are guaranteed that you are receiving a high quality BMW product that is meant to last and enhance the performance of the vehicle itself.  This is why many people choose to buy their products online as opposed to local auto stores.

What To Know Before Buying New Car Tyres?

When it comes to buying new tyres most people feel a bit lost, not because they don’t know what tyres to buy but because there are so many types of tyres out there that it gets confusing. It doesn’t matter how good you are at selecting tyres, if you don’t know about the different types available and their uses, you will find yourself wondering which one is right for your vehicle.

If you are really interested in knowing the different types of tyres available in the market, then here is a list for you.

All Season Tyres:

All season tyres are the standard tyres used for vehicles for general purposes. These tyres are not made for a particular purpose or season; they are made to be used all year round. Remember, these tyres are good for standard roads and not for any particular road or condition. For instance, on dry roads, these tyres will not work as well and they will not be able to give your car great road grip. Similarly, in the winter months, they will not be able to give you a firm grip on snow. It is an absolute must to make sure your all season tyres stay in top condition if you want them to give you the best.

44 Tyres:

There are different types of 44 tyres available today. Since these tyres are mainly used for special purposes, the variety they offer is targeted towards each condition. For instance, Mud-terrain (MT) tyres are best for those who love going off road. They are meant to perform exceptionally well on rocks, snow, mud and gravel. However, these tyres are only suitable for the aforementioned conditions and not any others.

Another category of 44 tyres is the ‘all-terrain tyres’. These tyres, as the name implies, are meant for on and off road usage. In other words, they beat Mud-terrain tyres when it comes to suitability to different types of roads and conditions. However, they won’t work as well as MT off-road. If you want to have tyres that can be used on-road and off-road then all-terrain tyres are for you.

Original Equipment tyres is another category of 44 tyres meant for 80:20 on road and off road usage. These are usually the standard tyres that come fitted with vehicles by a manufacturer. They are usually in line with the vehicle’s comfort and noise levels. These tyres are mainly for on-road usage but can give you good performance off-road as well, depending upon the quality of the tyres.

High Performance Tyres:

High performance tyres are made specifically for high performance cars. These tyres are fitted and aligned with computerised wheel balancing. They are available in mostly all sizes and are meant for vehicles that are to be used on all types of roads.

What Should You Consider?

Before buying new tyres, make sure you know your requirements well. Don’t make the mistake of buying tyres that are not suitable for vwhat you require of your vehicle. Most car owners always think about going for attractive looking tyres and they hardly ever think about suitability.

For general purposes, you should always go for all-season tyres. Since the roads of this suburb are smooth and dry, all-purpose tyres will work best for standard usage. However, if you are looking for a new pair of tyres to be used for your sports car or your high-terrain ride, then you need to look into the categories mentioned above in more detail. Remember, the overall performance of your drive will depend upon the type of tyres you are using.

Moreover, what most people fail to understand is the fact that with improper tyres, they put the overall health of their car on the line. The fuel consumption, road grip and comfort level will depend upon the type of tyres you go for. Choose the right tyres and enjoy a smoother drive than ever before!

Sell your Car and Avoid the Tyre-Kickers

Traditional classified advertising is still widely available and there are a number of websites where you can even list your car for free. When you’re looking to sell your car online, opportunities for classified transactions are easy to find with just a quick internet search and needless to say, there are advantages and disadvantages with each one.

Some sites have more traffic than others and although that may be a difficult statistic to identify, it is important if you need a sale. Try to find some online reviews and testimonials before you make your decision and above all remember, a classified ad is an easy option but it doesn’t always guarantee a sale.

Virtual Bidding

Internet auction sites are one of the real beneficiaries of the internet boom and billions of pounds will turn over every year for clothes, electrical equipment, general household items and much more.

Cars can also be sold in this way and some dealers will tell you that they shift more motors on an internet auction site than they do from their own forecourt. These are very popular alternatives and providing you set a reasonable price, you can almost guarantee a lot of interest and hopefully, a favourable sale.

Global auction sites put your car before a huge audience but you must be aware of potential pitfalls. Auctions of this kind could attract ‘tyre kickers’, the type of time waster who will buy your car and then try to find fault with it and offer a lower price. To try and avoid this, make sure that any faults with your car are fully listed and you should also include as many photographs as you possibly can.

Quick and Easy?

The most straightforward option when you need to sell a car online is to consider an agency who will make you an offer for your vehicle over the internet. Here you can simply type in all the details, including any faults or damage and an offer can be agreed in an instant. You’ll also be asked typical questions such as the length of the MOT and whether there is a full service history accompanying the vehicle itself.

There are many things to check for here including whether the company involved will guarantee the figure quoted provided you have filled in the correct information and you may want to find out whether they will collect the vehicle from you or if you have to take it to their depot. If you’re satisfied with everything however, you can sell your car online with the absolute minimum of fuss.

The Quickest Route

If Benfield Motor Group or any other dealer offers a part exchange then this is by far the quickest way to sell any used vehicle. The practise may not be as widespread as it once was because showrooms don’t necessarily want another car on their forecourt if they’ve just managed to shift one but if your dealer provides it then it is certainly worth considering.

Once again, you shouldn’t expect to get a particularly high price via this type of sale but if you just have a need for speed, this is by far the best option.

When it comes to selling your car online there are many options open to you. Your preference should be dictated by how quickly you need a sale and how much you are willing to accept for your vehicle. For a quick and easy transaction you may need to set your sights a little lower while on the other hand, you could demand a higher price but you may have to wait a little longer.