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5 Advantages of a Comprehensive Auto Insurance

Posted by: Auto Buff  /  Category: Car Insurance, Car Maintenance Tips, Car Market Place

Comprehensive auto insurance covers all losses and destruction of your automobile due to non-accident situations. As learned from studying free auto insurance quotes, the advantages of acquiring this kind of car insurance are serenity of mind, additional safety measures, savings, compensation or replacement, and defense.

Comprehensive auto insurance is a particular category of coverage and it is frequently obtained in a package with collision insurance. Nevertheless, it can also be bought independently. This type of car insurance is worth every cent because it covers almost every kind of damage that is not brought by the effects of collision. Mentioned below will define its benefits.

Serenity of mind

One advantage that you can get from possessing an insured car is that it gives you peace of mind. You can go on with your daily activities without the feeling of uneasiness because you keep on worrying about your car out there in the parking lot and such. You are also ensured with nights of sound sleep because you know that your insurance is looking out for your priced ride. It’s really a plague in one’s life when your car gets damaged and the absence of auto insurance will cause even more stress.

Additional safety measures

It is likely for every person to look out for his possessions and protect it from whatever damage or loss. However small that thing is, we will always take good care of these belongings. If we take precautions for little stuff, how much more those pricey things. That is to say, the more essential a property is the more extra security we set it with.

Savings

One thing that holds back vehicle owners is their perception that auto insurances are way off the budget. Yet, the solution to this is to be patient in searching for the one insurance plan that offers tremendous services in a fair price. This will not be so tough because of the steep competition in the industry of auto insurance plans that causes some companies to offer lower charges compared to the standard rates. You may try to check out discounted plans on the World Wide Web or other auto insurance plan outlets. Before deciding on the one to get, evaluate and compare free car insurance quotes coming from various establishments.

Compensation or replacement

While under the coverage of the comprehensive insurance plan policy and you incur damage, the company will find out how much the car is if it is stolen or how much the fixing of the damage will cost. After which, that amount will be subtracted by the deductible. The final amount will be issued to you by the insurance company through a check. This is the standard way of how comprehensive auto insurance works. To be sure, understand the vehicle coverage so you would be aware of what to claim for.

Defense

As indicated overhead, this type of vehicle insurance plan covers any car trouble that is not brought forth by accidents characterized by the collision with other automobiles. Comprehensive auto insurance specifically covers damages on account of natural phenomena, vandalism, non-moving accidents, auto theft, fire, damage caused by animals, glass smashing and falling objects. To sum it all up, this specific car insurance provides protection.

Most people only realize the importance of something when it is not the same as it was before. This also holds true in the matters of car insurance. Do not wait for the day when you’re car will incur great damage or loss. Avail a comprehensive auto insurance to protect your car and your pocket.

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2 Essential Guidelines on Racer and ATV Accessories Needed for a Safe and Comfortable Adventure

Posted by: Auto Buff  /  Category: Car Maintenance Tips, Eco-friendly Cars

As an ATV racer, you need to be prepared for every competition. You have to gear up for a safe and comfortable ride and accessorize your ATV for the race.

Before the race starts, you and your ATV must be all prepared for the tough road ahead. Safety is the topmost thing to be considered, followed by the comfort you need to endure the race, as well as the other requirements of the competition. Here are the basic accessories needed by every ATV racer:

Gear up for a safe and comfortable ride

Unlike riding ATV for fun, ATV racing involves special gear intended to protect and add comfort to every racer ona tougher adventure. Although these ATV accessories and clothes are advisable for all ATV hobbyists, some of them are a must for all racers for a safer competition.

  • Helmet. Every ATV racer needs to wear a helmet with full face coverage for a more extensive protection. For superior safety, it is important to look for one that is certified by Department of Transportation or Snell Memorial Foundation. These two separate entities set standards for helmet qualities that aim for the safety of motorists, including ATV riders. For added comfort and ease while on the race, find one that has good ventilation and one that is not so heavy on your head and neck.
  • Goggles. An eye protection that is shatter-proof is required for every ATV racer to protect your eyes from dust and debris. It is important that you find one that has reliable brand, one that is durable, and one that has many available straps to replace worn out goggle straps. It would also be helpful to find a pair of goggles that are scratch-resistant for better vision, as well as one that has nonslip strap to avoid disturbance during the race.
  • Long sleeve jerseys . You will be required to wear long sleeve jerseys during the race that are specially designed to absorb sweat better than other materials. Sometimes, your jersey can be provided by your sponsor if you have one, together with your pants and other accessories.
  • Special racing pants. Your pants must be in full length and must be made of leather or other special materials that are durable, which are designed for protection against abrasions and for greater flexibility. Other pants have adjustable waist straps for better fitting and comfort.
  • Boots. ATV racing boots must be made of special materials for better protection against impact, abrasions, and heat. They must be durable yet comfortable to wear. It is usually a must for your racing boots to be at least eight inches high for added safety.
  • Gloves. Special riding gloves feature padding and knuckle protection to shield your hands from flying rocks. It must also be well-ventilated and comfortable on your hands.
  • Other protective gear. Other important parts of your body need additional shield as an extra precautionary measure. Some popular protective gear includes elbow guards, knee guards, chest protector, airframe or race frame, and neck brace.

Accessorize your ATV for the race

Aside from riders’ gear and accessories, there are also important accessories you need to put on your ATV to get into a race. These are some of the most common requirements for ATV races:

  • Tether mechanical kill device. This is a kill switch that is attached to the racer and the ATV, which stops the engine ignition as you get separated from your ATV. This will help prevent further accidents, such as you or the spectators getting run over by the ATV.
  • Floorboards or side bars. Otherwise known as Nerf bars, these bars are required to protect your feet from accidentally getting into the peg or ground that may cause feet and leg injuries. You should, however, note that it must not go beyond the width dimensions allowed in your race.
  • Colored plate number frames. Most competitions require plate numbers on the front and rear of your ATV. Check the rules and regulations of the race you are joining to know the specific color and size of the plate frames you need to have, as well as the right font, size, and color of the letters and numbers on your plate.
  • Decals. Though not always applicable, some sponsors would require decals of their name or logo on your ATV. Some events also require you to put number decals on your ATV for easy tracking and monitoring during the race.

In most competitions, other ATV accessories are allowed, but not required, for enhanced protection and better ATV performance. Hand guards, for example, may be attached to the grip of your ATV to protect your hand from flying rocks and other debris. Others racers also attach chain tensioners and steering stabilizers for their ATV parts to function better.

Aside from those accessories, it is also important that every racer has the proper tools and kits needed for their ATV parts, especially when a little repairing and tightening of screws are required. You will also need some chemicals, such as lubricants and polishers to maintain and clean your ATV parts to make them more functional.

To be sure of the accessories you need to have for yourself and your ATV, always be aware of the rules and regulations before you start getting some of them. It is important that you follow their conditions so as not to get disqualified and in order to have a safe race adventure.

5 Specific Reasons Why Some Vehicles Cost More to Insure than Others

Posted by: Auto Buff  /  Category: Car Maintenance Tips, Car News

Your vehicle might just be more expensive to insure than others even for the same coverage. The reasons behind this might include one or more of the following: your vehicle is new; the make of your car is more costly to repair; the type of car you have has higher incidents of damages or accidents; your vehicle has low safety rating; and your car is attractive to thieves.

When you try to get quotes from different insurance companies, so many questions are being asked about your car as well as other relevant information. Their reason: they need to assess all the conditions to come up with your premiums as insurance quotes differ from one car to another. Some vehicles can be more costly to insure and here are the most common reasons why:

Your vehicle is new

Try canvassing an auto insurance quote online for your brand new sedan. Notice that it is more costly to ensure compared to a 2005 model of the same series. A new vehicle would mean it has higher value, thus logically more expensive to insure. Furthermore, the component and replacement parts could be harder to find than other current car models and might be more expensive to acquire. The value of your car will get smaller every year, and so will your insurance premium be.

The make of your car is more costly to repair

Some cars might just be more costly to repair than others, making it more expensive to insure. In case of a crash, for example, you car needs to be repainted. Some paints, especially the ones used for metallic or pearl looks, are more expensive and are more difficult to mix. Older cars are also said to be more expensive to insure, especially vintage cars, as they might easily break down. The component and spare parts needed to be repaired or replaced could also be not readily available or are difficult to find and are more expensive to buy, explaining the higher insurance premiums. Insurance companies will be assessing your vehicle parts and accessories. The more complicated and expensive they are, the more costly your vehicle would be to insure in case of damages or theft.

The type of car you have has higher incidents of damages, accidents, or theft

Insurers have updated records of cars that are usually engaged in accidents, damages, or even theft. Those vehicles that are prone to accidents are more expensive to insure. Examples of these vehicles are sports cars and those vehicles with high horsepower (HP), since they are more powerful and are faster to drive, increasing the risk of accidents. Cheap fast cars as well as smaller cars have higher insurance premiums since these are usually driven by teenagers or by drivers who are inexperienced. Again, older cars would be more expensive to insure. They are always on the list of those vehicles that easily meet accidents, since the could break down easily. Breaks could malfunction anytime, the engine could overheat easily, and your door locks could easily be broken, increasing the risk of theft.

Your vehicle has low safety rating

Aside from the parts of your car, insurance companies will inspect how safe your car. The lower your safety rating, the more expensive it will cost you to insure your vehicle. It will assess how your car can protect its driver and passengers from injuries, as well as from theft incidence. They will check on safety equipment like airbags as well as anti-theft devices like alarms and tracking devices. If you do have these equipment installed in your vehicle, your insurance premium will most likely be more expensive.

You car is attractive to thieves

If your vehicle seems attractive to thieves and more prone to being stolen, your insurance cost would be higher. Vehicles with convertible or soft tops are easy to break into, thus requiring higher premiums. A car with no alarm and anti-lock system is also very attractive to thieves. In addition, insurers will inquire where you usually park your car when at work or at home. If you park your car in an unsafe place where there is no visible security , your insurance premium would be higher considering the higher risk involved. The same goes if your car is not parked in a covered home garage overnight.

Aside from all these conditions, your car insurance would also be more expensive if you have had a bad driving record, if you are a teenager, if you often drive to far-away places, and even if you failed to insure your car previously.

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Focus on Your Vehicle Investment During National Car Care Month in April

Posted by: Auto Buff  /  Category: Car Maintenance Tips, Car News

National Car Care Month (NCCM) in April is the perfect time for motorists to learn about the very real economic benefits of performing regular vehicle maintenance, according to the Car Care Council.

“Each year, community car care events routinely identify that consumers are not taking proper care of their vehicles,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Neglected vehicle care almost always means much higher costs down the line, either in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value.”

In 2009, results of community car care events throughout the country showed that consumers are neglecting their cars, with eight out of 10 vehicles failing at least one component of the vehicle inspection process. Even with an estimated 20 percent more vehicles inspected in 2009, the overall failure rate remained unchanged from 2008 and 2007.

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8 Possible Consequences for Driving Without Insurance

Posted by: Auto Buff  /  Category: Car Maintenance Tips, Car Market Place, Car News

Driving your car without auto insurance usually results to issuance of traffic tickets, gets you penalized for your violation, brings you to jail, results to driving ban, leads you to pay for damages from your own pocket, results to higher premiums for future insurance policies or even refusal, causes the court to impose penalty points on your driver’s license, and leads to repossession of loaned or financed vehicles.

Heavy consequences await you if you fail to insure your vehicle and drive it around town. It is a very serious offense and could get really worse if you meet an accident on the street. Here are the possible consequences you will face if you drive your vehicle without any auto insurance:

Results to issuance of traffic tickets

If you get caught for driving an uninsured vehicle, the traffic police will give you a violation ticket. You could further get a summon or appearance notice if you have other past violations and you have bad driving record. The traffic violation ticket declares what offense you are charged with as well as the penalties that go with it. It will also include the summon or appearance notice if applicable.

Gets you penalized for your violation

There are no warnings for driving without insurance and you really to pay for your negligence. Even if your insurance provider failed to notify you of your near insurance expiration, it is still your responsibility as a driver to see to it that your vehicle is insured. You have to pay the penalty indicated in your violation ticket, which is usually around $500. If you refuse to pay the penalty and fight for your reasons, you just need to file for a Notice of Dispute to the court within thirty days and a hearing will be set for you. Whatever the result will be for the court hearing, the penalty is said to range between $300-$2,000, instead of the stipulated penalty in the traffic violation ticket. This amount could even be higher if you compare auto insurance quotes from different companies against the penalty you might incur. If you get a further summon or notice of appearance in the court, you need to go to the court on the date specified. A hearing will conducted and will get you penalized around $300-$2,000

Brings you to jail

It does sound scary to go to jail because you went around driving your car that is uninsured. Well, you should be scared. If have received a further summon with your violation ticket and you fail to go on the date scheduled, a warrant of arrest can be issued for you. If the hearing has been conducted and you are found guilty as charges, you could pay the penalty and even possibly go to jail, especially if you have a bad record of driving. It is really very important to stay a good and responsible driver to avoid getting into this kind of trouble.

Results to driving ban

Aside from the penalty and the possibility of going to jail, using an uninsured vehicle can also lead to driving ban. The court may further disallow you to drive around for a certain period of time. The number of days depend on the validity of your reason for driving without insurance. In UK, the driving ban usually lasts up to twenty eight days, but could be longer for repeated offenses.

Leads you to pay for damages from your own pocket

The worst thing that could happen to you if you drive a vehicle without insurance is that you might meet an accident, causing damages and injuries. Aside from the violation, the penalty, the possibility of a driving ban, or even the risk of going to jail, you will end up paying for the damages and injuries from your own pocket. Even if you are a very careful driver, we can never stop accidents from happening. That’s why it is important to make sure your vehicle is insured to avoid spending this much.

Results to higher premium for future insurance policies or even refusal

Driving uninsured vehicle can result to increased premiums on future auto insurance applications. Some insurance companies think you have not proven yourself to be a responsible owner and driver and so an increased risk is being associated with you. There are even some insurers who would refuse to provide you an auto insurance policy.

Causes the court to impose penalty points on your driver’s license

In UK, driving a vehicle that is uninsured is a serious offense. It falls under Offense code IN10, with six to eight penalty points that will remain shown on your driver’s license for four years starting from the date of offense.

Leads to repossession of loaned or financed vehicles.

If you drive your financed car uninsured, your car may be repossessed. There are other financiers, however, who do not repossess your vehicle, but will obtain the insurance coverage for you. They just add up these charges to your installment payments. Their course of action will depend on the terms and conditions that govern your loan.

It is always wise to insure you vehicle all the time. You would not have to worry every time you go out driving for fear that you might get caught. You would not also have to worry about the penalties you may incur and face all the consequences of going to jail, being banned from driving, and paying for accidents in effect. Always take note of your insurance policy, especially the effectivity date of your contract so you will know when it expires. This will give you ample time to prepare for renewing your contract despite your busy schedule. Just be a responsible owner and driver and you will keep yourself away from trouble.

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AutohausAZ Unveils New Car Care Products

Posted by: Auto Buff  /  Category: Car Maintenance Tips, Car News

AutohausAZAutohausAZ, a large Internet-based auto parts retailer distributing OEM parts worldwide, today announced its adding of a wide range of automotive diagnostic tools and OE-quality car care products to its already comprehensive online parts catalog. Just in time for holiday shopping, these new product lines provide great gift ideas for avid DIYers and for people who truly care about keeping their car looking great and protecting them against the elements.

New and returning customers to AutohausAZ.com, will find a larger selection of automotive diagnostic tools, including scan/reset tools that read the same diagnostic codes dealerships and technicians rely on to troubleshoot potential repair issues. Scan/reset tools, including tools for engine, airbag, oil service and inspection resets don’t just benefit DIYers.

They benefit everyone who has ever taken their car in for service when the “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” light comes on. Now, instead of driving vehicles to the dealership or a local technician, consumers can get an accurate diagnosis at home and, depending on their capabilities, can either do the repair at home or confirm what their dealer or technician claims needs to be fixed. Either way, they save money.

(Source) Press

Lexol 1015 Leather Conditioner Spray

Posted by: Auto Buff  /  Category: Car Maintenance Tips

Lexol 1015 Leather Conditioner SprayThe Lexol 1015 Leather Conditioner Spray is a unique emulsion that feeds leather to keep it soft and supple while maintaining strength and durability. Regular use will maintain leather in top condition and not leave the surface slick or greasy, unlike other all purpose products.

Work into the leather with a clean, soft, 100% cotton cloth or Lexol Applicator Sponge; allow the conditioner to be fully absorbed (15-20 minutes) and then buff off the excess with another soft, clean, 100% cotton cloth. Use 4-5 times a year to keep your leather in top condition. You do not have to clean the leather every time you condition, but you must condition every time you clean it. Do not use on suede.

Price: $8.99

(Source) Amazon

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How To Enhance the Appearance of the Vehicle with a New Grille

Posted by: Auto Buff  /  Category: Car Maintenance Tips, Car News, Motoring News

Grillcraft SW Series GrillesFor millions of car owners, the answer to feeling better about their current vehicle is to make it look and run better. Not everyone can afford a new car, and the Cash for Clunkers program only worked for a small minority of vehicle owners. A brand new site called Auto Grill Craft can help dress up an older vehicle and give it back that new look.

A car expresses different aspects of its driver’s personality. By making it look great with a new grill or grill guards from Auto GrillCraft it makes the owner feel better and raises the value of the vehicle.

Dennis Dater of Exotic Motor Sports has recently opened an eCommerce web site called Auto Grill Craft Grilles to help owners of various vehicle brands and models the opportunity to improve the looks of their car, trucks and SUVs.

This site offers the complete line of Grillcraft products. You can choose from three different styles of Grillcraft grills, the MX, SW and BG grilles.

The MX style grille is made from steel mesh in an exclusive pattern. It is then zinc plated and finally covered with a three stage baked on powder coating. Easy to install, long lasting and great looking.

For a “Billet Grill”, take a look at the BG style. The “Billet” looks consists of a series of bars, sometimes horizontal and sometimes vertical placed in the grille area of the vehicle. This is made from 6061 T6 Aluminum. These grilles have a high-luster polished front face with a black baked on powder coating finished back ground.

The SW style grille is made from T304 Stainless Steel woven mesh using Grillcraft’s exclusive micro frame design. Then Electrol Polished to a high luster. They are guaranteed never to rust, and represent the top of the line. This is one of the finest grilles produced anywhere.

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Quixx Paint Scratch Remover

Posted by: Auto Buff  /  Category: Car Maintenance Tips

Quixx Paint Scratch RemoverFor the car owners who don’t want to see the slightest scratches and want to get rid of them in a hurry, the Quixx Paint Scratch Remover should be the instant solution to their problems.

This scratch remover is your ticket to instant and long-lasting solutions for your car that will also leave a reflective high gloss finish. It will not leave any stains and is free from solvents and environmental friendly. You can even use it with your standard buffer or polishing machines.

Price: $14.95

(Source) Amazon

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Visteon’s New Pulse Count HVAC Control Reduces Overall System Cost in Vehicles

Posted by: Auto Buff  /  Category: Car Maintenance Tips, Car News

Visteon Corporation, a leading supplier of a full range of cockpit electronics products for vehicles, has developed a second-generation pulse count system for automotive heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) controls. The new system provides a significant reduction in wiring complexity and weight, achieving up to a 25 percent system cost savings (based on system control only) compared with conventional HVAC control solutions.

In Visteon’s system, the position of the actuator in the HVAC system is determined by reading pulses from the motor. The system uses Visteon’s patented climate control algorithms to control the direct current (DC) motor actuators via the power and ground wires only, eliminating the traditional feedback wire harness and position sensors.

The pulse count control system enables vehicle manufacturers to use simpler, lower cost non-feedback DC motor actuators. System reliability is improved by using fewer connections and deleting the position sensors in the HVAC actuators.

Visteon used its system expertise to develop an Application Specific Integrated Chip (ASIC) with an embedded inductor-based sense element. The microprocessor, with Visteon proprietary software, monitors and filters the current/voltage fluctuations inherent within permanent magnet DC motors to determine the position of the motor and then employs pulse counts to control the position of HVAC doors.

The accurate sensing, filtering and adjustments of the pulses provide robust overall HVAC system performance. The system is self-calibrating and monitors key operating parameters to maintain optimal performance during its life. It is compatible with a range of actuator solutions and hardware configurations for a cost-efficient solution.

Visteon’s technical centers in China and in India worked on implementing this first program application of the second generation of Visteon’s pulse count technology, which is scheduled for commercialization in mid-2010. Visteon launched its first-generation pulse count HVAC control system on the Chrysler Pacifica in 2006.

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