Photo by buhtterfly

Whether you’re looking for a place to get your oil changed or need extensive auto repairs, it can be tough to know which auto repair shop is the best for you and your vehicle. Luckily, you don’t have to go it alone. Armed with the following guidelines and questions to ask, you can choose a quality auto repair shop with confidence.

Word of Mouth Matters

When it comes to choosing a reliable auto repair shop, nothing beats a good word of mouth recommendation. The best shops are not always the ones with the biggest advertising budgets. More often than not, they are the smaller, family-owned operations. Word of mouth recommendations come from satisfied customers; chances are, if your friends and family are happy with a particular auto repair shop, you will be, too. However, if you’re new in town and don’t know anyone who can give you a recommendation, online reviews and websites such as Angie’s List can be a great place to start.

Location, Location, Location

Where an auto repair shop is located can make a big difference in how much you’ll be charged for service and repairs. Labor charges can vary widely depending on how upscale the area is. Some shops in affluent neighborhoods charge over twice as much per hour for labor than shops in more modest locations.

There are guidelines for mechanics to follow regarding how long different types of repairs should take. A reputable shop will generally follow those guidelines and charge for labor accordingly, while other shops may simply ignore those guidelines.

More is Better

It’s important to get multiple estimates from multiple auto repair shops. While you can let your fingers do the walking to get a rough idea of what costs you can expect, a mechanic won’t be able to give you an accurate estimate without examining your car in person. However, if taking your car to several different repair shops just isn’t feasible and you must get quotes over the phone, ask if the shops will guarantee their prices.

Additionally, ask each mechanic if s/he is willing to match prices if you find a lower estimate. While it’s tempting to go with the lowest price quote, keep in mind that the cheapest doesn’t always mean the best. When choosing an auto repair shop, sometimes you do get what you pay for. On the other hand, just because a shop charges more than the rest doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get the best service there, either. Most likely, you’ll simply be overcharged. It’s a good rule of thumb to avoid the highest and lowest estimates and aim for shops with quotes in the mid-range.

Appearances Matter

While you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, you can actually judge an auto repair shop by its appearance. There are several key things to look for when scouting out a shop. For instance, is the shop well organized? Are there certifications posted where you can see them? Are the mechanics wearing any type of uniform? Are there dirty rags and tools lying around, or are the workstations kept neat and tidy? Is the shop equipped with modern diagnostic tools and auto lifts, and do those tools seem to be well maintained? Chances are, if the shop is in chaos, your service will be, too. Conversely, if the shop is efficient and organized, the service will most likely reflect that.

Ask the Right Questions

Communication is important when taking your automobile in for repairs, so be sure you are able to clearly understand and communicate with the mechanics. There are several key questions to ask when choosing an auto repair shop, including:

• Is there a warranty for the work done? One-year warranties are standard, while lifetime warranties are sometimes offered. However, be sure to read the fine print, as it can be easy to inadvertently violate the terms resulting in a null and void warranty.
• What type of parts will be used? Many shops will offer you a choice between OEM (original equipment manufacturer), aftermarket or used parts. OEM parts will generally cost more, used will most likely cost less, and aftermarket (parts made by various manufacturers) will usually fall somewhere in between. If you must choose used parts, make sure they are covered by a warranty.
• Are the mechanics ASE-Certified? ASE-Certified (Automotive Service Excellence) mechanics must meet specific standards to qualify and must renew the certification every five years.

Trust Your Gut

Finally, there’s nothing like your own gut feelings to tell you if you’ve come to the right place. Even if an auto repair shop meets all the qualifications discussed above, if something just doesn’t feel right, then trust your gut and go somewhere else. What matters most is that you feel comfortable and confident that your car is in capable hands.

This post was written and contributed by Brian Bronzino. Brian has been a mechanic for over ten years, and in his free time he writes about the automotive repair industry for ASEdeals.com

Photo by teamaskins

When it comes to examining the impact that weather conditions and the seasons have on road accident levels, there can be little doubt that the impact is enormous. Furthermore, there can equally little dispute that one time of year above all others is the one when the most traffic accidents in Britain occur: winter. The UK frequently experiences extreme weather of different kinds throughout the year nowadays, but the kinds of weather the country has during the winter months represent particularly bad news for motorists. If you have been in an accident and are experiencing whiplash injury symptoms contact RoadTrafficAccidentSite.com as they will be able to advise you on if you are able to make a claim.

Britain is regularly hit by periods of heavy rain and snow, coupled with bouts of freezing cold temperatures, during the months of winter. This combination produces layers of black ice on UK roads – something that can be deadly for drivers. As the name indicates, this ice is dark coloured, making it very hard for drivers to see when it is covering the road surface. This, together with it slipperiness, can see drivers lose control of the vehicles, if they are not sufficiently prepared to cope with it. In order to deal with ice on the roads, drivers have to be prepared to go more slowly during the winter months, even on motorways, as the stopping distances of their vehicles will be greatly reduced. Furthermore, they also need to ensure that they have tyres with enough grip to be able to take on icy roads – either by using special winter tyres, or by using standard ones that have been checked for tread depth.

As has been indicated the inability to see black ice is as big a cause of danger as the slipperiness of it, and another reason why it is so hard for drivers to spot on the roads, is that it gets dark in Britain much earlier during the winter. Again, in order to be able to deal with this, drivers must make sure that all lights on the vehicle are in working order and that mirrors and windows provide the maximum visibility possible.

So, why do car games always remain on the top? Well, the obvious reason is that it provides thrill and excitement like no other games. Every boy and girl loves to drive their cars and they would love to speed their vehicle as fast as they can but unfortunately they cannot do that in the real world. With the help of car games kids can really enjoy driving their cars the way they do and therefore it excites them more than any other games. If you are internet savvy you can look out for many car games that still remain popular on the web.

On the other hand, car games attract lot of adults as well. There are billions of gamers that love to play car games and they make sure that they buy some of the top car games that are available in the market. Today, car games have lot more options than just driving and winning the competition. Most of the car games have come of age and they have been developed in better ways by game developers. In most cases, car racing games have become like a pursuit or chase where players can be either robbers or cops and they can decide what role they would like to play.

This means that car racing games now have role playing factor as well where players have to decide how they want to continue the game. The gameplay is introduced at the start of the game and player or players have to decide how they will take certain actions based on the situation they are in the game. Hence, players need to think about their moves while they are driving their favorite vehicles. Players also get the opportunity to drive some of the best cars that are available in the market and they can enhance it by adding extra accessories that they can buy and earn through points.

Hence, car games today are not just about taking over the controls and winning the race but about social and emotional planning as well. Players who love to play car racing games have to think about different strategies that they will apply in the game and which will help them win the race and proceed to the next level. There are many downloadable car games available that still require high system requirement while there are some car games which you can play directly through your browser but in the end they all have evolved through the time.

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Not much comes for free in this world, but there are some amazingly good deals around if you know where to look. With driving being hugely important in most people’s day to day life, it makes sense to go all out to uncover these tremendous automotive bargains. Remarkably, it’s not difficult at all; used cars for sale give you a huge amount of motor for your money!

The great thing about second hand autos is that prices are in a whole other league when compared to brand new alternatives. You’ll be looking at discounts anywhere between 5 and 35% at minimum, and it’s even possible to find some cars with over 50% off normal retail values. But don’t think that cheap means bad- in fact the vast majority of pre owned vehicles are in phenomenally good condition, just with more miles on the clock.

With a huge range of tastes and, more importantly, driving needs, any potential used car buyer will be pleased to find an almost unlimited selection available. There’s no one size fits all, rather you can find any type of car that does exactly what you require, and pay less for it. Whether it’s a large SUV, a tiny city car, or a sporty cabriolet, the choice is so vast that only the rarest classic or limited edition motors will require a bit of effort to find.

With online sales trumping all those from showrooms or car supermarkets, it’s certainly clear that the net is your best bet to pick up a real bargain. Online prices are lower than elsewhere, and you can look at a gargantuan amount of vehicles without going anywhere at all. There are loads of great websites, like Teletextcars, so simply log on, browse around and then book a test drive. You can shop with confidence and be sure of high quality every time.

The real truth is that there aren’t many things that can come close to used cars in the value for money stakes. You pay less and get more, that’s the sum of it all. No matter who you are, what you’re looking for or even your level of motoring experience, buying pre owned can save you a lot of time and money!

The way you finance your car will affect your other investments in future. So, be careful. Whether you are going to buy a classic car, sports car, wagon, pick-up or a sedan, here are or 10 easy ways that will help you in choosing the easiest way to fund your car.

1. Pay the cash

If you are born with golden spoon then you might be lucky enough and would like to pay the direct cash in lump sum amount and buy a new car. Money wouldn’t be a matter for you.

2. Opt for the most suitable Loan

Don’t get disappointed if you haven’t got the money or have less cash in your bank. Opt for the loan. Different types of loans are available. Choose the loan that is most suitable for you.

i. Personal Loan

You can either select a bank that is offering a good deal on personal loan. Most banks allow you to pay the loan in 2 to 6 years. The advantage is lower interest rate and disadvantage is the fixed price of vehicle. However, if a friend or private party is giving you loan, do check the term and conditions before taking it.

ii. Home Equity Loan

If you have your personal house, then Home Equity Loan is the best choice as it offers the lowest possible interest rates and you can borrow the amount for your car against equity of your house. The interest can be deducted from the taxes also.

3. Choose the best purchase deal

Varieties of purchase deals are available with the car dealers. Go for the best one.

i. Personal Contract Purchase

It is the most feasible deal that let you save your money and you have to pay the most reasonable price. You have to pay 10 -20% in the start and then the rest amount is payable in installments. Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) assures that your vehicle will be worthy. You have three choices usually at the end. You can give the vehicle back, buy it at the GFV rate and you can also exchange the vehicle.

ii. Hire Purchase

In hire purchase a financing company pays for your vehicle to the dealer and then you have to deal with the company. You can pay the money in 72 months and not more than that. This deal is beneficial as no Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged.

4. Take Short loans

If you have chosen to take a loan, take it for shorter period of time. Usually the best one to choose is for 36 months or two years, as the car will be yours only if you pay the full loan. Extended loans make the vehicle affordable but when you become the real owner, the car has almost completed its best years and starts to wear and tear.

5. Credit Card

Credit card is a good option if you are getting short of very less amount of money. You can add the money to your cash via credit card deals. Most credit cards offer best deals for car financing.

6. Time Your Purchase

Shop the car at the right time. Buy it at the start of the week or at the end of the month as dealer and car companies are offering the best deals. Also sales are put on every purchase on special events like Christmas, New Year and Thanksgiving. So look out for the sale.

7. Choose Company Certified Pre-owned cars

If you can’t afford a new car, then buy a used car. The company Certified Pre-owned car will be the best option as they offer the most reasonable rates and deals.

8. Pay Extra’s as advance

Pay taxes, fees and additional costs in advance and don’t include them in the loans and deals as it will cut down your finances.

9. Trade-in

You can also trade- in for the old car. Sell the old car and add this money to the amount you are using to buy a new car.

10. Lease only as a last option

Leasing is recommended as a last option. It is more like taking a loan as you have to pay monthly installments but the disadvantage is that you are paying for the use of car. The miles are decided by the dealer and you cannot drive the vehicle beyond these miles.

So, buy a car of your choice as our 10 easy ways will be of your good help in and financing a car won’t be an issue anymore.

Art Spinella has rightly said,

“If it’s two or three years, you’re better off leasing, … If it’s longer than three years you’re better off buying.”

So, if you are still in confusion which option to choose check do out our views also.

Get to know the Nuts and Bolts

First you should know the essentials of car leasing; it is more like renting a car but with some terms and conditions.

Capitalized cost

Price of the car is the first thing you need to work out. You have to bargain it even when you choose to lease.

Money factor

Money factor or Interest rate is often kept hidden from the consumer, so do check all the issues before signing the deal.

Residual value

It is the value your vehicle will have at the end of the leasing period. This value is calculated in advance of the leasing term.

Turn-in fee

Do check the turn- in fees and penalties which will cost you if you don’t take proper care of the vehicle or drive it for a longer period.

Check Out the Benefits and Drawbacks

Everything in the world has its benefits and draw backs, positives and negatives and so does the leasing.

No doubt you enjoy some benefits like you get a chance of driving a new vehicle. You have to pay tax only on the leasing price. You can give the vehicle back to the dealer how much the price of the vehicle has been depreciated during the years. Also sometimes you get a free maintenance of the vehicle

But on the other hand, there are some disadvantages also. You were paying only for driving the car and after the lease period ends you won’t have the car in your hand. Also, sometimes it becomes difficult to pay the money when you are drenched in financial crises.

Watch out for the Economy

Increasing unemployment and changeable economic conditions have left the car shoppers in wonder whether it is better to lease or not. But in these days of unpredictable economy the conditions are in favor of leasing

According to Brian Taylor

“What we might see happen is an increase in leasing, which was not an option for private use in the early 1990s recession, where people can get out of a car and into another one for the same, if not less, monthly payment,”

Almost zero Sales tax

The sales tax you are giving on the lease amount is almost negligible as it is much less than the tax you will pay when you will buy the car. Imagine if you buy a $ 58,000 car with the 8% interest and you have to pay the tax on whole amount your bank account will get empty.

Less Interest Rate

You have to give monthly installments in leasing so interest rate will be automatically lower.

Free Maintenance

Though the car is new whether you buy it or lease it and maintenance is as such not required however, Most of the lease terms include free maintenance and oil change so, you can save some money.

Deal in your hand

In the end, deal is in your favor as you don’t know what will be the value of car after 2 or 3 years so, you don’t have to worry if the economic conditions are good or bad. At the end of the lease period you will hand back the vehicle to the dealer. However, if you have bought the vehicle you might be in trouble if the economy goes down.

Get the Best!!

Some cars like 2007 BMW 328i and 2008 Mercedes SLK are available with the best lease deals. Also some auto companies like GM are leasing luxury vehicles. People prefer these deals instead of buying the cars. So, whether you are the victim of the bad economic conditions or not, choose what’s the best for you.

Best Apps for Cars

Let’s have a look at the 10 best apps that auto manufacturers have got in their cars.

1. MyLink
2. IntelliLink
3. Entune
4. On Star Remote Link
5. ConnectedDrive
6. Mbrace
7. Ford AppLink
8. Connected
9. Online Services
10. Carwings

1. MyLink

My Link is the latest app integration system recently announced by GM motors on its Chevy Line-up. Expected to be released in 2012, this app will be a total infotainment package with both entertainment and information system. Voice control with music selection and the car’s stereo controls will be featured on car digital display. Pandora and Stitcher apps will be the most exciting apps of My Link.

2. IntelliLink

IntelliLink will be offered on Buick lineup and is expected to be another best app system. To make this app system working on your cars, you will need to have Pandora and Stitcher apps installed in your Smartphones. It is anticipated to be available on the upcoming Verano, LaCrosse, and Regal models.

3. Entune

Entune app integration has been declared by Toyota on its upcoming 2012 models. Prius V will be the first to have this app integration with a lot of smart apps. Pandora and iHeart will give you your most favorite music. Bing will be there to search anything you want. OpenTable will make restaurant reservations for you at your favorite eat outs, and MovieTickets.com will be a fun filled app to book movie tickets for your whole family. Entune will be compatible with iPhone, Android phones and Blackberry phones. The only thing you need to do is to install the Ettune app on your Smartphone and it will be available in your car via a Bluetooth.

4. OnStar RemoteLink

RemoteLink is more of a navigation and security app rather than entertainment app, giving control and connectivity to your car. Real-time fuel information, lifetime mileage and Turn-By-Turn Directions are provided by this mobile app. OnStar Advisor with Roadside Assistance is also available to direct you to right locations.

5. ConnectedDrive

ConnectedDrive is the best app integration system available on BMW models. It is compatible with the cars interface only through iPhone. A number of apps are available including Google, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora. Cars digital Display can show you updated status of Facbook and Twitter . Google search also incorporates cars navigation system. Pandora runs on your iPhone but it is also accessible on the BMW stereo.

6. Mbrace

Mbrace app of Mercedes provides navigation and security services. Remote door Locking provides protection to your car against theft. Roadside assistance let you help park the car via a live operator.

7. Ford AppLink

AppLink by Ford features Pandora, OpenBeak, Stitcher, iHeartRadio apps. Sync AppLink API has been made available to provide synchronization of apps with the car’s controls. OpenBeak connects you with Twitter and Stitcher allows the streaming of audio programs over the internet. These apps are compatible with your cars system via your Smartphone.

8. Connected

Connected apps integration is available on MINI Line up and features Google, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora along with some unique features which include voice controls to guide you during cruising, a driving coach and changing music according to driving techniques.

9. Online Services

Online Services are the best apps provided on your Audi cars and they are unique from the other apps integration in a way that they don’t involve a phone. They are present in the car via an embedded cellular connection. A8, A7, and A6 models of Audi are loaded with these online services which include Google search and Wikipedia.

10. Carwings

Carwings present on Nissan Leaf not only let you enjoy during driving but also guide you throughout your journey via telematic services. Some features of this app are remotely controlled functionalities. Climate control is the best feature of this app and it keeps you updated about the temperature inside and outside the car. Also the battery of the car can be charged via this app.

So, Get ready to enjoy with these best car apps integration systems as they not only entertain you but also direct you throughout your journey.

Strategy No. 1:

One can not avoid brakes but one thing should be kept in mind that excessive use of brakes means you are wasting fuel unnecessarily. When you apply brakes, it consume the kinetic energy of moving vehicle and this kinetic energy is generated from the gasoline and is converted to heat which is released in the atmosphere as burned fuel. Keep it in mind that when you keep on accelerating your vehicle and then apply brakes all of a sudden it decreased the efficiency of your vehicle. Avoid excessive use of brakes if you want to improve the fuel economy of your vehicle.

Strategy No. 2:

As a matte of fact, Jackrabbit employs additional fuel; if you are on highway and you realized that you have broken the speed limit, neither return to desired speed limit all of a sudden nor too slowly. Remember that fuel economy of vehicles decreases in low gears; accelerating rate and gear ratio vary with vehicles. You can test it by yourself that when you take 15 seconds to accelerate to 50 mph, vehicles consume less fuel as compare to 30 seconds to attain the same speed.

Strategy No. 3:

Most of the people believe that air conditioner of vehicles consumes more fuel, somewhat it is true but some interesting facts are related to this phenomenon. When you drive at 55mph and turn on air conditioner you can achieve 24mpg and when you will turn off the air conditioner you can reach up to 28mpg. Some among us often open windows in summer to save fuel but you might be surprised to know that aerodynamic drag increases with speed. When the speed of vehicle is less that 55mph, you can open windows and turn off air conditioner to save fuel but at speed of 60mph or more windows should be closed and you can turn on air conditioner because less fuel is consumed at this speed.

Strategy No. 4:

Some studies revealed that when a car moves from a speed of 40mph to 60mph, it consumes less fuel but you accelerate it from 60mph to 80mph more fuel is consumed.

Strategy No. 5:

Majority of people turn the vehicles to neutral phase when they move downhill, this condition is very dangerous because one can not apply brakes even when engine freeze in neutral phase that’s why it has been banned in several countries. There is an alternate solution to attain the fuel economy when moving downhill, leave your car in gear and make it fuel efficient. You might be surprised to read this but it is true, the reason behind this fact is most of the vehicles features fuel injected engines and they utilize deceleration fuel cut off controlled by computer when you remove your feet from the gas during maintaining the car in gear, injectors mechanically shut down and the revolving tires of car which are linked to the engine through transmission keep on operating the engine and other accessories. As a result, engine do not consumes fuel when you move downhill with your vehicle.

Strategy No. 6:

It is suggested that tire pressure should be monitored daily before going out in your vehicle. When the tire pressure is low, resistance with road increases vice versa. Hence it is better to check the tire pressure if you are interested to save fuel.

Strategy No. 7:

Here is an interesting fact about warm engine and its fuel efficiency, it become convenient for vehicles to attain improved fuel economy when the engine is warm. Hence if you aim to move to three locations at different distances from your home, move to the far one first and let your engine to warm up and work efficiently n terms of fuel economy.

Strategy No. 8:

Avoid such gasoline that contains reduced level of ethanol to 10-15 percent i.e. E10 and E15 because it works negatively for mpg. Always remember that gasoline pile up more energy as compare to ethanol; hence more ethanol is consumed to reach the same distance as compare to gasoline.

These simple strategies and tactics will help you to increase the fuel efficiency of your vehicles. Keep it in mind that although it’s you biggest concern to save fuel but never employ such tactics which can prove to be risky and threatening to your life.

It is difficult to find problems in car with an inexperienced eye during purchase. One should be very cautious particularly in case of low priced cars because their low price is indicating poor quality, substandard or some genuine problem. Following are some of the key problems which consumers should check before buying a low price car:

1. Major Accident/Damage in Past:

Mostly used cars have always been for sale because of their unfortunate history in road accidents. Problems in chassis and wheel alignment for instance should be thoroughly checked before the purchase, because it can not only result in higher maintenance expenses in future but also can be fatal on road.

2. Transmission/Millage Concerns:

In most of the cases low priced cars have covered hundreds and thousands of miles. This causes two main problems

1. general wear and tear of car parts
2. continuous deterioration of transmissions.

This problem is even more dangerous when it comes to poor maintenance of car in the past. So maintenance records of transmission fluids should be verified before purchasing the car.

3. Renewed Engine:

Engine is the power house of a car. It not only provides power to the car, but also the most complex part of the car when it comes to problems. In most of the cases when a new owner gets stuck into engine issues, it empties his pockets in addition with wastage of time on elucidation of problem. So when you buy a new car with low price, take it for a drive to check its engine. Besides that if possible do take a mechanic with you on drive, so if there is some hidden issue, he can instantly guess it and save you from future anxiety.

4. Wiring/Electrical Concerns:

When it comes to used low budgeted cars, electrical problems are customarily. They can range from a simple window motor jamming to a multifaceted check engine indication. They are mostly easier to resolve and are inexpensive, but may take time to find the loophole. So before buying a car, mechanic should check all its electrical loopholes for perfect purchase.

5. Carbon dioxide Emission:

The higher amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the car explains two main problems

1. the engine is in poor condition
2. the car is poor on millage.

Moreover it’s an environment hazard. So if you find a car with higher carbon emission, it is best to continue your search.

The Best Solution “Maintenance Records”:

The best solution to prove your car of all the problems is to look into the maintenance records. The car should be preserved at appropriate intervals from proper dealers. For instance well-timed filter and oil changes at least guarantees you that engine is in good condition.

The car is never old when it comes to proper maintenance. Buying new car is not always the possible solution because people have a lot of things in their financial agenda. So buy according to your wish but make sure your wish comes true in a good style.

Photo By Gallery Motor Company

It sounds unfair to say that I never thought she would, but I had an inkling she would struggle! Anyway, I wanted to stay true to my word, so I started to have a look around for something suitable for her. I was going to start by looking in the local paper, but after a quick flick through I couldn’t really see anything that was cheap enough yet relatively new. I decided that I might have a bit more luck online, so I started to try to find a site with a good amount of choice. I came across a site called Motors, and they had a Motors used car section that looked perfect. It was the sort of site where you put in your main wants, such as the manufacturer, price year and model, and it comes up with relevant results. Also, I was able to filter the results so that it only showed cars in our local area.

Near enough straight away I found what I was looking for – a Ford Fiesta which was under ten years old, with less than 70,000 miles on the clock for less than a thousand pounds. I knew that this would be reliable and it had full service history so I went to have a look. It turned out to be great and I drove it away that day ready for my daughter to find when she came home from College!