Ottawa Tires

Posts Tagged ‘Vehicles’

You’re looking for a new car and you’ve decided to buy used. Smart choice! With the price of gas and the state of the economy, shelling out all that extra cash for a brand new car when a used car can be just as fuel efficient and a much better deal is like tossing your cash into your car’s fuel tank and literally burning that money away.

Craigslist, eBay, car classifieds, and used car search engines like iSeeCars.com make finding used cars for sale so much easier than ever before. But you have to be careful—there’s bound to be a few lemons out there that will leave you with more than just a sour taste in your mouth. Making a major purchase like a car—even if, or perhaps especially if, it’s a cheap used car—requires that you do all of your homework. Remain in control and no one will be able to pull the wool over your eyes!

Here are the top ten questions you should ask a used car seller before you sign on the dotted line:

Nowadays, more and more people are enticed to buy used cars. With so many financial choices available and cars “living longer,” many people just opt to buy used cars. In fact, many smart consumers contend that buying used cars is just the same as buying new ones if the buyer knows how to buy used cars. So, to help those who wish to buy a car but cannot afford a new one, here are some of the best tips that can be implemented when buying a used car. 1. Research It is extremely important for an individual to conduct some research when buying used cars. In this way, the buyer will be able to know the ideal make and model to buy, the kind of performance to seeks, and the prices of used cars in the market. Moreover, the risk of buying used cars is lessened if the buyer knows the important details to consider when buying used cars. 2. Check the cars history The car’s history will definitely provide the buyer some solid information regarding the performances, repairs, and problems of the car. So if you CAN discover some history it would be to your advantage. In this way, the buyer will be able to compare and differentiate one car from the other. There are instances wherein used cars are being sold because of some past accidents or negative experiences. Buyers might consider more if the car he or she is about to buy has a history like this one. 3. Check the safety features What more can you expect with a used car but it does not necessarily mean that the buyer will neglect the availability of safety features in the car. By all means, an ideal car must possess safety features, whether it is old or new. According to some reports, almost 80% of the accidents are heightened because safety features are not available in the car. 4. Buyers should be wary about the documents that are included when buying used cars. Buyers should be sure that the car is not stolen, there are no liens on the vehicle, and that the one who signed on the “Bill of Sale” is the true vendor and the possessor of the property. 5. Before buying a used car, it is best to meticulously inspect the overall condition of the car first. Buyers should be wary of any rust or damage; the tires should be checked, etc. Indeed, buying a used car can be very tedious. Nevertheless, it will give the buyer some satisfaction and assurance that what he or she has bought is a good buy.

Each year, out of all the vehicles bought in the U.S., 41 million are used cars compared to only 16 million new car purchases. Since purchasing a car is the next financial investment made by US citizen other than housing, it is important to determine if buying a used car is worth your money. 1) CONS – Here is a list of the disadvantages of used-car buying: * The options of cars are limited, so the search for the right vehicle could be lengthy. * The buyers have no idea if the car was treated. Used cars usually have worn consumables such as hoses, tires, shocks, filters, fans and clutch. * Although used car dealers provide a warranty, it is only limited to a couple of months unlike purchasing a new car with full warranty. Certain maintenance on your purchased second-hand car could be more expensive. * Purchasing a second-hand vehicle would offer you a lower trade-in value. * The main disadvantage of purchasing old cars is that it has an unknown quantity. Whether the dealer has worked the vehicle to make it attractive for the test drive, the buyers are still unaware of the repair bills, economical issues, and its reliable transportation. * It is difficult to negotiate fair financing terms on an older vehicle. 2) PROS – On the other side, buying a used car could benefit the buyer in several ways: * The original owner of the car received the depreciation hit. The market value of the new car decreases from year to year. An average 30% of its value within three years from the time it was bought, so buying their car would save you a lot of money. * Unlike purchasing a new vehicle with high insurance fees, you will receive a lower cost of insurance if you choose to buy second-hand cars. * Although buying new and used cars both provide loans, lease, or money-saving the majority of dealers who sell used cars often have shorter loan terms. * If your investment is decided based on appearance and gas mileage, choosing a used car would guarantee the value and reliability it has provided over the years. * A used car would provide your dollar more flexibility. Compared from buying a new car that would eat all your finances, buying a second-hand car would allow you to purchase other accessories such as air conditioning that would cost approximately US$200 to $900 extra. Buying your used car could waste your money if you fail to do your research, compare dealerships, and be aware of the car’s market value. Be a wise used-car buyer.

Buying a car from an individual or from a local car dealer is one tedious task if the objective is to purchase a second car that is still in good running condition. A buyer would never trade his hard-earned money with just a complete wasted used car. Whether new or used, when buying a car, it should be treated with the same importance and value.  There are things to take into consideration before buying the car and these are: 1. Educate yourself as a consumer 2. Prepare a list of your needs. Prioritize between the necessities and the wants. 3. Determine the budget and the kind of car that would best fit. 4. Make a selection by models and types. Narrowing them will be helpful. 5. Research both online and offline by dealers. 6. Know the value of the second hand car in the market. 7. Research the Vehicle Identification Numbers and history. 8. Take a mechanic when checking the car whether buying from a friend or a dealer. 9. Never shy away from asking questions.  10. If there’s a gut feeling about it not being good, don’t be afraid to walk away. Bringing a mechanic along is always a good strategy. Make sure your mechanic inspects the totality of the car, from the history down to its last screw. It should be parked on a level spot. You should make certain that it was driven for about an hour. This should make it a good time to make the inspection. Always make it on a well lit surrounding and in broad daylight.  How to inspect it thoroughly: Checking the exterior. Walk around to see if there is damage to the body. The corners of the car should be shaken and bounced up and down to see if the shock absorbers are still in good condition. Make sure that the wheel bearings do not make any sound when trying to pull the front tires by tugging them. Open the doors lift the hood and the trunk to see if all the rubber seals are still in place. This will also tell if there’s anything loose around the hinges. Check for signs of repaint. There will be difference in the color because shops can never duplicate the original paint of the car. Ask someone to turn on all the lights outside of the car and look if all are working. Cars with only 30,000 miles of travel must still have its original tires. Beware if you find a car with only a few miles of travel but has new tires. When the test drive is done, check the discs of the brakes, this should still be clean and smooth. Check the windshield for cracks. Checking the Interior. Though it sounds odd, smell the insides of the car. Sniff under mats and the carpet. If it smells like mildew then it’s a sign that there is a leak somewhere or that the car may have undergone flood damage. Switch on the air-conditioning to make sure that it really turns the whole inside of the car cold. Next, try the heater. Try out all lights inside as well and never forget to blow the horn. Also try all the seat adjustments. The upholstery should still be in good shape too. There will be a lot more to check and here is where the mechanic can help the buyer. Looking inside the trunk. Once more, smell the insides and check for any signs of leaks. Make sure that some basic car tools are still present for the new user. Checking under the hood. Feel the wiring for any cracks or brittleness. Squeeze the hoses and the fan belt for any cuts and possible electrical tape patches. Do not take off the cap of the radiator until its cool enough. The greenish color indicates a good condition where the coolant is. Beware of stains and dirty-whitish color on the radiator. Again, let the rest be checked by the mechanic like the batteries. Checking under the car. Lie down if you must and use an emergency light to see the engine underneath. Feel any signs of residue. Check the pipes and examine any possibility of heavy rusting.  Do the Test Drive. The owner or dealer should not stop a buyer from going over about twenty minutes of test drive.  This is a special time to thoroughly look for any problems with the air-conditioning, heater, steering wheel, brakes, transmission, and most importantly, the comfort. Feel everything; it’s okay to try it on a hump or a slight bumpy road to really experience the performance. Listen carefully to check any rattles. Have a pen and paper, flashlight, gloves, magnet, towel, blanket and even CD or tape when checking a car out.

The temperature is beginning to drop as winter approaches. In many states, the cold weather can have a major impact on how well your car operates. If your car normally experiences hard starts in the morning or it stalls periodically, the low temperatures of winter are likely to make matters worse. Fortunately, you can take steps to prepare your car for the winter without worrying about expensive repairs. In this article, I will explain why your owners manual should be the first resource you consult. Then, I will provide some tips for making sure your car is ready to perform by the time the cold weather arrives.
Review Your Owners Manual
Oddly, most car owners neglect to read their owners manual. It may look boring, but it contains important information about how to maintain your car. The manufacturer suggests a host of service procedures along with a time line in which to have them performed. They have an intimate understanding of how their cars function and the things that will ensure they operate properly for years. Read your owner’s manual and take action on the recommendations.
Changing Your Oil
Changing the oil in your car regularly is critical. If you do not, it can slowly turn from a fluid liquid to a dark sludge. When that happens, it’s less capable of lubricating the moving parts of your engine. In the winter, be especially diligent about changing the oil according to the schedule suggested in your owners manual. Spend a few extra dollars to change the oil filter as well. Finally, if you’re using a minerals-based oil, consider changing to a synthetic oil. It performs better under low temperatures, making it more effective during the winter.
Important Odds And Ends
If you live in an area that experiences heavy rains, snow, or icy roads, make sure you check your tires for tread wear. If you notice that one or more of your tires is worn, invest in new ones. Also, have a mechanic check your cars battery. Your engine may start quickly, but the battery may still be weak. Your mechanic can check its life, and clean and tighten the connections.
Do not neglect to replace your filters. Besides your oil filter, change your air and fuel filters, too. A lot of drivers procrastinate because filters cost a few extra dollars. Plus, people don’t think there’s an immediate need because they don’t see the results of changing them. However, during the winter, soiled filters will make your car work harder than it needs to.
With winter promising cold temperatures, it is more important than ever to take care of the small maintenance chores that you’ve been neglecting. Review your owners manual to check the manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule. Then, make an appointment with an experienced car technician and have them perform everything on the same day. By the time winter arrives, you and your car will be prepared.

This is the third in a series of articles containing useful pointers for coping with frost, ice, and snow while you travel by vehicle. The correct tires can make the difference between an enjoyable trip and a hefty towing or hospital bill.1. Summer tread tires are not meant for icy or snowy conditions.

When the temperature dips, so does the traction capability of summer tires. The material used in the manufacturing process loses elasticity and grip as it gets colder. This means that summer tires do not perform as well in freezing temperatures, even on dry roads.2. All-season tires work well in some areas.

If you only experience an occasional mild snowstorm, you might be happy with all-season tires. However, they don’t perform as well as good winter tires. Their composition and tread is a compromise that provides decent handling and traction in a variety of conditions. Busy drivers who don’t have the time to change their tires twice a year will often swear by all-seasons.3. Real winters demand real winter tires.

If you have ever been stuck in a snow bank, you appreciate how much time and inconvenience it requires to get a tow. A car that slides into a snow bank can just as easily careen into oncoming traffic, over an embankment, or into a pedestrian. For safety’s sake, a change to winter tires is a good investment.4. Choosing the correct tire requires some forethought.

There are various types of winter tires. Analyze your driving patterns (fast? slow? heavy on the brakes?), travel routes (uphill and downhill grades? tight curves? gravel vs. pavement?), and other factors that might affect tire performance and needs.

a) Performance Winter Tires

Performance winter tires are responsive on dry winter roads – but their traction is not as good on ice and snow as some other types of tires. The treads tend to be a bit soft; these tires should always be changed in the spring in order to preserve tread life.

b) Snow and Ice Studless Tires

These tires will give better traction than performance winters, but the handling will not be quite as responsive.

c) Winter Studded Tires

These are good-quality winter-tread tires embedded with 60-120 small metal studs per tire. The studs, composed of a very hard metal like tungsten carbide, protrude slightly above the tread surface. This provides superior traction on ice and snow. However, studs also dig into pavement – and they are banned in some areas. If you plan a long trip, be sure to check the regulations regarding studded tires along your route.5. A tire professional can help you to sift through the choices.

Nothing can replace competent advice from a good tire technician. However before you pick a tire shop, consider the following:

a) Does the tire business have a good reputation – or does a check with the local merchants’ association or Better Business Bureau reveal a number of consumer complaints?

b) Do you know of anyone who has used the shop and can provide first-hand recommendations?

c) Are the tire shop’s certifications, licenses, and permits prominently displayed where customers can see them?

d) Are the service people properly certified? And are they experienced?

e) Will the shop honor your vehicle warranty?

f) Do the shop technicians have experience with vehicles of your model and year?

Inventors and manufacturers are continually trying to design the ‘perfect tire’. An online search for ‘tire patent’ will bring up over 1 million pages in Google. Who knows – maybe the perfect tire will be on the shelves next year! In the meantime, do your research, and get the most suitable tire for your driving style and weather conditions.

©Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author’s note below (with active links) are included.