Coverage Details Of Rental Car Companies' Insurance

Whenever an individual rents a car from a rental car company, they will be asked if they would like to add the company's rental car insurance to the contract for renting the car. This rental car insurance is designed to protect the individual renting the car and the company renting out the car if anything should happen to the vehicle while it is in the renter's possession. Many individuals are unsure of whether the price of the rental car insurance is worth the coverage offered and some believe that their current car insurance coverage or the rental car insurance coverage offered by many credit card companies is adequate to protect the individual from liability if anything happens to the rental car while in their possession. For some individuals, the rental car insurance offered by the rental car company is their best option for coverage.
There are several different types of insurance coverage that are included in the rental car insurance offered by the rental car companies. The first type of coverage is the damage waiver, which may include a collision damage waiver, a loss damage waiver, and a physical damage waiver. Each of these waivers waives the right of the insurance company to collect additional money from the individual who has rented the car in the event that the car is damaged while in their possession. The collision damage waiver protects the renter in the event that the car is in an accident with another car. The loss damage waiver protects the individual in the case of the car or parts of the car being stolen while the car is in the renter's possession. The physical damage wavier protects the individual from liability is the car is physically damaged from sources other than a collision, such as skidding off of the road and hitting a tree or hit by a blown truck tire.
Another type of insurance coverage offered by the rental car company is personal liability coverage. This type of insurance coverage protects the individual in the event that they cause damage to another individual, vehicle, or piece of property while operating the vehicle rented from the car insurance company. Personal accident insurance coverage offered by the company will provide a one-time payment in the event that you or a passenger in your rental car is injured, maimed, or killed in a car accident involving the rental vehicle. The final type of insurance coverage typically offered by the rental car insurance company is personal property insurance. This will pay to replace any personal property that is lost or stolen from the rental vehicle while it is in the renter's possession. Each of these types of insurance coverage has specific limitations, so it is best to read the conditions carefully when obtaining insurance from the rental car company.

Discount Car & Truck Rentals is the car rental company of choice. We offer car rentals in over 300 locations anywhere in Canada.

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When Does A New Car Lease Make Sense?

Let's face it, you love cars. You love to drive a new or late model car, the smell of a new car, the feeling of new and untapped power under the hood. It is exciting. But one of the problems is that your financial resources are a bit more limited than your dreams are, so you may want to consider a car lease instead of going out to get a car loan for a purchase.
The first thing you need to understand is exactly what is a car lease. When you lease a car, it does not mean that you own the car. Rather, it is more like renting the car, although there are still many very important differences. For example, you still need to pay for the insurance on the car. This is critical because you need to carry full coverage on the car, including collision insurance, which serves to protect the risk of the owner of the car while you have it out on lease. This insurance is typically more than what you might normally have if you had purchased the car outright, so be sure to figure the cost of insurance into your overall cost of driving the car.
One of the big bright spots with a car lease is that you do not worry about depreciation of the car, since you paid for that up front. You see, the cost of the lease is figured based on how much the car will be worth in resale value at the end of the lease. For example, if the car you want to lease cost $40,000 and at the end of a two year lease, assuming you have put about 24,000 miles on the car, the resale value is about $25,000 then the lease payment is figured based on the difference, or $15,000. This is exactly the reason that you can get a much better lease deal on a car that has a great resale value, instead of a car that it pretty much shot after two years.
Another reason that a leased car can be considered a better deal is because the payments are typically lower than if you had purchased the car. Again, as described above, this depends on the estimated resale value of the car after the lease period, but generally speaking, your payments will be less. However, since you are driving more of the car as an asset or resource with less of your commitment to the vehicle, your credit needs to typically be a bit better than it would for a purchase or a car loan.
The real beauty of a car lease is that at the end of the lease, you can just turn in the car and slide into a new lease on a brand new car. This is assuming of course that you have not put too many miles on your leased car. You should have a good feeling for how many miles you will drive. Standard lease agreements state about 12,000 miles per year although that can be adjusted up front if you know you will drive more. Be very conscious of how many miles you are putting on the car, since all miles in excess of what you agreed to when you turn in the car are assessed a pretty hefty charge, like 30 cents per mile or even more.
On the downside of a car lease program, you never own the car. You have replaced tires, wiper blades, paid insurance on it, but since you are leasing the car, you will never own it and will therefore always have a monthly payment. Contrast that with a car purchase, where after the car loan term, you own the car and can still drive it but you are not making car payments anymore.
Consider which option is right for you. A car lease can be a great deal and keep more money in your pocket, as long as you can live with the restrictions and limitations.

For more insights and additional information about a New Car Lease as well as getting a free no-obligation comparative quote on a car loan, please visit our web site at http://www.car-loan-resources.com

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Car Loans Poor Credit History - Materializing Your Dream Car

Are you tired of traveling in crowded and slow buses? If this is so then purchasing a car seems to be good option for you. In today's world, time is synonymous to money. You can save lots of time by purchasing car. Car loans poor credit history aim at providing financial assistance to people suffering from poor credit history.
FICO credit score ranges from 300- 850 points. Anyone having a credit score of less than 600 points is considered as a bad creditor. If your credit score is less than 600 points then you are eligible to avail car loans poor credit history.
Car loans poor credit history are available in both the traditional forms namely, secured car loans poor credit history and unsecured car loans poor credit history. To avail secured car loans poor credit history you need to place one of your properties as collateral against the loan amount. This helps in reducing the rate of interest of loan and also getting flexible repayment options. No such collateral is required in order to avail an unsecured car loans poor credit history but the interest rate is slightly higher compared to secured car loans poor credit history. Lenders charge higher interest rate to minimize the risk factor. The loan amount that can be availed with car loans poor credit history ranges from £1000 -£25000 with repayment duration of 1- 10 years.
Car loans poor credit history can be availed by both tenants and homeowners. You can improve upon your credit score by paying the loan installments regularly and on due time.
Either you can visit various banks, financial, institutions and lending firms personally or you can apply for car loans poor credit history through online method also. To apply for car loans via internet you just need to fill up an online application form mentioning details like amount of loan you want, repayment duration, your contact details etc. You can also use Internet to search for lenders with reasonable interest rate. After getting the details of lenders you can compare between the interest rates offered by them and select the one that suits you the best. With car loans poor credit histories you can make you dream of owning a car come true.

Christian Phelps is a Masters in Accounting and Financial Management from Lancaster University Management School . He has been working with loan for self employed since his academics got over. To find bad credit car loans, used car financing, car loans online, Car loans poor credit history, car loan for people with bad credit visit http://www.badcreditcarloansuk.co.uk

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Where Can You Find The Best Performance Car Parts?

Are you tired of the car that you bought many years ago? Or do you own a relatively new car that could really do with an upgrade? Adding performance car parts to your vehicle can make a huge difference. These parts help to create a completely new look for your car in a matter of hours and can help to up the value of your car if you are intending to sell the vehicle in the months to come. It is easy to go to a garage and pay for performance car parts to be added to your car.
Imagine the amount of money that you'd have to pay for something that you could easily do yourself. If you are willing to put in some time and work on your car on a lazy Sunday you will not only save time and money. There is nothing better and more satisfying than reaping the benefits of upgrading the look of your car with your own hands. However not all of us are lucky enough to be able to spend out free time on the car and if you have a busy life with a job and children you will most probably be more than happy to drive you car instead of adding parts to it in your weekends.
What things can you add tot your car to enhance the look of the vehicle instantly?
Unless you want to do a complete overhaul on your car and take out the engine there are many different types of performance car parts to choose from. Think of adding any of the following popular performance parts to your vehicle:
o A new clutch (has the clutch had its day when it comes to looking good?).
o A new exhaust pipe. Think of the way your car would look if you added a polished shiny new exhaust pipe to it. It's easy to do and a professional will be able to fit on in less than half a day.
o Spoilers! Of course this is one of the easiest and most noticeable performance car parts that you can add to your car. You can fit them on yourself or have it done for you. Find the best spoilers on the Internet, based on the brand and type of your car.
So what do you do if you want to change the look of your car but you don't have the time, and you don't want to end up paying too much to have it done for you? Log on to the Internet. Find the right parts for your care from a well established performance car parts supplier and do not hesitate to ask for information if you are not sure how to install these parts. If you are not able to do this yourself most suppliers will be happy to advise you on professionals in your area who can do this job for you. Finding the best and most reasonably priced performance car parts is not difficult if you know where to look. Visit this site (LINK) to explore the range of performance auto parts suitable for your car.

Terry Bolton is an internet publisher of automotive stuff. Read his useful and popular articles about how to find cheap car parts [http://www.cheap-used-cars.w-eland.com/car_parts.htm] and accessories and how to buy used cars [http://www.cheap-used-cars.w-eland.com/buy_used_cars.htm] for a decent price.

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Buying A Car In America Is Very Easy - Tips For Buying A Car In USA

If you are going to stay at a particular place for quite some time say more than three months, then its better to buy a car rather than rent one. Buying a car involves quite some work. It's better to be cautious while buying a car, 'cause owning a car brings you freedom and you own a vehicle but you need to maintain the car and take care of any problems.
The main concern while buying a car is its maintenance cost should not be high; otherwise you will loose a lot. So here is what experience tells us.
Buying a car in America is very easy, there are lots of used cars for sale and there is never a shortage. It is just the question of deciding the budget and type of car to be bought.
Most people prefer Japanese cars over American makes simply because of the easy re-salability. The most popular Japanese car makes are Honda and Toyota.
Types of models? There are two categories of cars, 2-door, 4-door. The 2-d are cheaper. Then comes the type of transmission (gear), automatic or stick shift. Most people buy automatic transmission. Such cars are very easy to drive. (Almost all-Indian cars are of the stick-shift variety).
Where to look? The local newspapers carry a lot of car sale advertisement everyday. You should see the paper and decide on the ones you are interested in. Next call up the owner at the tel. no. given, as early in the day as possible and fix up an appointment to visit and see the car. Test-drive it, if you like it and the price is ok, tell the owner that you'd like to get it checked up by a mechanic. This is the normal practice. There is nothing to feel shy about asking the car to be checked up. This will save you a lot of money later after purchasing the car from unforeseen problems that some used cars land up into.
Look up the yellow pages in the local tel. directory to get the list of car mechanics or just ask colleagues to recommend one. If that doesn't work out, ask the local AAA (American Automobile Association) office to recommend someone to you. For a fee of about $25-30 the mechanic will check up the car and tell you the problems or possible problems if any.
Some people do it for free. It is good to tell the auto mechanic to check up the following things with additional care in addition to their regular: -
1) Brake cylinder, drum and worn out pads
2) Transmission. (This is the costliest part in an automatic car)
3) If it is a 4 speed never buy it. 5 speeds are ok.
4) Check for rust in bottom, radiators, muffler and tailpipe.
5) Check for vibrations when you brake from 40mph, without downshifting. If there are vibrations, either break pads or steering pinion is in bad shape. Get 4 people to sit in the car and you can make out if the suspensions are OK, when you make a sharp turn.
6) Most important, check for oil leaks, and whether the car gives you power speed/pick-up when you try to accelerate. You can feel if it's OK.
7) Last, check for emission whether the smoke is black (thick), which means oil, is also burned with fuel => the car is beyond its life. The piston rings might be leaving a gap in the cylinders because of wear. In that case, don't buy the car, because you will have to change the cylinder, piston and rings which will come to double the cost.
8) Ask the owner to give the records of the maintenance he has done, like new tires etc. Also, make sure you don't go beyond 3rd hand purchase. There must be something seriously wrong with the car if people have changed owners drastically.
9) Air filter, valve etc. OK?
Ask the owner to discount the price of the car by the amount required for the repairs suggested by the mechanic. Or else ask him to get it repaired for you. The rates of the used cars have some standard values, which are generally not exceeded. These values can be checked up in something called "Blue Book" which is a text available in the public library or with car dealers. So car models classified as per Year of make have their value
listed in the Blue B OK. There is a cost deduction to be applied for the mileage that the car has been driven for, which is mentioned in most Blue Books. That gives a fair idea about the standard cost of any used car. Moreover there is ample scope for price negotiation. Generally private owners who sell through ads can give better discounts than used car dealers. Generally car dealers stick to the Blue Book Price but usually ask more.
Mileage is also a consideration while purchasing a used car. Lesser the better. The ideal average is 10000 miles per year. So a car manufactured in 1987 may have a driven mileage of about 70000 miles in 1994 and not more than 80000. These are approx. figures.
After buying a car you need to get it insured. You cannot drive a car in the U.S. without proper Insurance. The car has to be insured against collisions etc. There are various vehicle Insurance companies having various deals. Look up the yellow pages and call up some of them and ask for their rates. Then decide on one. The Insurance coverage period and the type of Insurance chosen and your age (more for less than 25 yr.) decide the amount to be paid. The "comprehensive", "collision" is terms used by the Insurance companies to describe the type of insurance coverage. Get everything explained properly.
There is sometimes windscreen coverage too, for a nominal additional amount per month; this insures your windshield against damage (a windscreen replacement may cost about $200.00 approx. otherwise).
You have to get the emission testing done on your car before it can be registered. In case the previous owner has got it done and the test is valid still, then there is no need to do it again for the specified period. The valid test papers are required for Registration.
The local vehicle registration office will issue a temporary registration for 45 days and meanwhile process and prepare the proper number plates. The documents required to get a registration are - Car ownership (title) papers, Emission Test papers, and Car Insurance papers. After proper registration is done you can drive your car. However you should have a Driver's License. Actually each state in the U.S. has different laws. Most states allow you to drive with an I.D.P. (International Driving Permit) for a year or so. But others require that you get a local Driver's License. The driver's license can be obtained from the local DMV office after a written and driving test. Refer to the section on obtaining a driver's license for details.

http://bharavis.blogspot.com/

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Fastest Production Car - Facts About the Fastest Car in the World

So who makes the fastest production car? Well that would be the car manufacturer named Bugatti. To be more precise it was Volkswagen that kept that company alive so crediting them of their work is a must. The fastest production car is none other than the Bugatti Veyron, this car is a monster when it comes to speed. The Bugatti could just outrun almost every car on the planet not to mention it can beat other types of aircraft.
What makes this car so fast is that it has an enormous engine coupled with its slippery aerodynamic. Those two combinations alone can propel this car to more than 200 mph, but theres more to it than that. The reason why this car is such an amazing car is that it is it engineered to perfection. Let start off with the engine. The engine is an 8 liter W-16 which has 4 turbo. A W engine is basically a two V8 or V6 combined together. With an outstanding 8 liters and 16 cylinders, already the engine can produce an enormous amount of power. But the Volkswagen engineers didn't stop there; moreover, they added four turbos and each has a boost of 10 psi. So all in all the power the engine produces is a massive 1001 horsepower. Thats a lot of power and to put down to the ground. They had to use all whee drive and special tire made by Michelin to cope with the volcanic power.
It isn't just the engine that is astonishing, but its transmission as well. Forgive me if I get a bit technical because this requires me to explain in a detailed matter with technicalities. Ok, if you have that much power flowing through the crankshaft obviously you need a gearbox that can handled that sort power. It is almost impossible for a car manufacturer to develop such an gearbox that can handle 1000 hp let alone last for 10 to 20 years. So VW turned to Formula 1 engineers to have them make a gearbox for them that can handle the power of the engine. And after trials and error they have made a gearbox capable of harnessing the power of the engine. The gearbox is a computer controlled system and its similar to that of an F1 car gearbox. Then it has a 7 speed flappy paddle shifter and it has a dual clutch. So what does this all have to do to make the car even faster. Well with this gearbox it not only harnesses the power, but also makes shifting faster. About 0.2 second, thats how fast it can shift and with its all wheel drive configuration this car just pounds the pavement with a massive torque.
The Bugatti Veyron also has one of the most slippery aerodynamic body that can slice through air easily, and also it has a wing that can generate huge amount of down force. Even with an all carbon fiber body. This car still weights more than most almost any car out there. The Veyron weights about 4,300 pounds, yet the car can go in such speed that almost all the supercars are left trailing. To coped with the heat that Goliath like engine produces along with the 4 turbochargers, the Veyron needed at least 10 radiators. 3 to cool down the huge wing and 7 to cool the engine itself. Talk about overkill and to add more pizzazz, this car can stop from 250 mph to 0 in 10 seconds. All of it is due to the huge wing and the superb brakes.
All of those synthesized together you make an incredibly super fast car. Just take a look at its performance figures. this car can go from zero to 60 in 2.6 seconds and on your way up to 250 mph if you keep that foot flat out. This car is capable of transcending 250 mph, but the engineers stayed at that speed because of safety reason. When the wing is up, this car can handle almost better than many of the supercars that have less power and less weight. For a car that weights almost as much as a Hummer that is amazing.
This car was made to illustrate what can be done with the future of technology and engineering. This car depicts what can be done using the latest and greatest tools of today. This car was made to stretch the boundaries of what can possibly be done in the automobile industry.

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Car Salesman Reveals Negotiating Tips

Shopping for a used car? Searching for a great deal? Have you ever bought something and wondered later if you got a deal or got taken? Shopping for a used car is perhaps the most nerve racking process. Nobody likes it. Everyone wants to find a bargain when they shop for a used car and many people have no idea how to do it. I have worked in the auto industry for over 10 years. I will show you how to get a great deal.
If you are reading this article then you have a computer. Use your computer to do some basic research. You can use sites like Ebay, Auto Trader, Cars to find prices for the kind of car you are shopping for. You can also use Kelly Blue Book or NADA. Just enter the kind of car you want into the search bar. Most sites rank the results by price. Try and form an average price or price range you can expect to pay for the car you are shopping for. When you are evaluating whether a particular car is a good or great deal you take your average price and adjust it to the condition of the car you are looking at. Take into account mileage and condition. Lower mileage cars sell for higher prices. You can use 15,000 miles as an average per year to figure if the car you are looking at is considered high or low mileage.
Say your looking at a 2003 model. That means the car is 5 years old and the average mileage would be 75000 miles. Take into account if the owner lives in the city or county. City drivers drive less and country drivers drive more. You must also access the overall mechanical and cosmetic condition of the car. Does it need repairs? How much will they cost? What is the condition of the paint, carpets seats? Form an estimate of needed repairs and cosmetic work needing to be done and then adjust up or done from the price range you found earlier. You are now an educated consumer. A car dealers worst nightmare! You can use what you learned at home to negotiate a great deal by applying some common sense. Most car dealers know that consumers have no idea what the value of a used car is worth. Tell the dealer or individual what you think the value of the car is and why you feel that way. This is called negotiating!
If you want to find a bargain you have to work a little harder. Where do you find a bargain? Just ask the dealer. Many times the dealer has a car that he has had for a while. The dealer will want to sell the car at a substantial discount to free up some cash. You have to find out why he has had it awhile. Many times it was never detailed or serviced properly. If this is the case offer him a very low price. You already know the price range from your research. If it is a car that you have not researched then go home and do the research. The same is true from an individual. He or she may just be tired of the whole "Sell it yourself" process and be willing to let their car go cheap. Look for these type of deals and you will end up with a bargain. You can also consider a higher than average mileage car if you do not drive a lot. Higher mileage cars sell at a discount. Lets say a 2 year old car has 40,000 miles. This is 10,000 or so higher than average. It will sell for $1000's less. Now lets say you drive 10,000 per year and keep it 2 years. The car will have 40,000 plus 20,000 or 60,000 miles. The average at this time would be 60,000. A 4 year old car should have 60,000 miles. Just what your car has on it. You bought it as a high mileage car and trade it in as a average mileage car. You just made money!
These are just two ways to get a great deal when shopping for a used car. Do the research, apply some common sense, use a few insider secrets and you will get a bargain.

Mike Barrett owns Barrett and Sons Used Cars in Milledgeville, Georgia.
http://www.barrettandsonscars.com

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LeBra - Car Bras Add Snazzy Style and Impeccable Protection

Has your car hit puberty? It so, it's time to take it bra shopping. Maybe you are looking to protect your paint job? Either way, car bras provide your car with many benefits.
What is a car bra? The name is quite self-explanatory. A car bra is a fitted piece of material, often made of durable vinyl or leather, that wraps around your car's front end. Original-style bras, ideal for sports cars, provide full coverage with cutouts for headlights, license plates and fog lights. Sport-style bras, perfect for SUVs and pickups, cover the front portion of the hood and don't interfere with brush guards, winches or tow hooks. No matter what you drive, car bras are custom-fit for your specific vehicle and have openings in just the right places, to keep your lights shinning and your engine breathing.
As my German co-worker Tim once remarked, "Why would anyone want a car bra? They are hideous!" Well Tim, car bras can protect your car by blocking dirt, grime, rocks, and whatever else may hit your hood. If you've had your license for more than a year I'm sure you've driven through a construction area. If you haven't, consider yourself lucky because by me, the tri-state area, roads are constantly being torn up and repaved. It seems like I can't go a month without cruising down a recently repaired road
Here is perfect example when I would have loved to have a car bra.
It was a sunny Saturday and I had just gotten my car washed. And it wasn't one of those cheap car washes where you sit in your car while a track pulls you through a 15 foot tunnel of hoses and automated brushes. I'm talking about a real car wash. They started by vacuuming my interior and shaking out my mats. Then they sent my Subaru through the exterior wash cycle to get off the easy stuff. After that, a 15 man crew equipped with spray bottles and rags attacked my Subaru, cleaning every last particle of dirt and dust out of every last nook and cranny.
This car wash isn't cheap, but they do a quality job so I spring for it every now and then. So I pull out of the car wash and head over to my friend's house. As I pull onto his street I am immediately greeted by a burly town worker next to a "paving in progress" sign. As I slowly creep down the street, I can hear thousands of tiny pebbles and rocks bouncing off my newly washed car. I cringed with every ting and ping I heard. By the time I got to my friend's house, the front of my car was covered in tiny tar balls, spit up from the tires in front of me. I was pissed.
Driving down these freshly paved roads is hell. No matter how slow you drive, your car's body will inevitably be pelted with gravel and rocks. So if you live in New Jersey, you should probably get a car bra. Especially if you lease, it would behoove you to consider a car bra. But what if I don't like how they look? Well, if you have a black car, you probably won't even be able to see it (most of them are black).

LeBra is one of the most popular brands. Wolf, Colgan, and Covercraft all make a nice car bra as well. - Mike Rosania

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Looking For The Best Charity Car Donation Program?

You might have an old car or vehicle, which you don't use very often, just sitting on your property or on the street. A car donation that is made to a most charities greatly benefits both the charity and the car donor. To answer a common question, in most cases a donated car or vehicle doesn't have to run but it should be towable. And your vehicle must have all four tires inflated for them to accept it.
If the charity you're considering doesn't appear to welcome your questions and doesn't provide good answers about where the proceeds from donations will go then you may want to think about making your car donation to a different charity.
You want to locate your title to the car before you call in your donation. Once you have the forms from the charity just fill them out and have them handy for the driver when he comes to tow the car or vehicle. In the new tax law, regarding the fair market value section, there are some exceptions, for example, you can base your deduction on the fair market value of the car or vehicle if the charity sells it to someone in need at a discounted price or if the charity uses the car as part of its charitable plan instead of selling it.
And if you itemize your income tax return then a vehicle donation is allowed. Also, if your car is running, think about dropping it off yourself with the charity to save them from paying for towing costs.
Cars are usually donated to the needy recipients directly or they are sold and the money is given away as part of the charities function. Vehicles that are not being used make very good donations, allowing people in great need to have a dependable means of transportation. In wear and tear, minor repairs and breakdowns, a vehicle owner could spend at least $3000 a year.
There are similar charitable donation laws in all other countries. Charities will usually provide you with a release of liability when they pick up your vehicle or you take it in, and after the car is sold, they provide you with a tax-deduction form that explains exactly much they received for it. Vehicles that need repair can be accepted provided the vehicle is fixable for less than what it would sell for.
One of the good exceptions to the new IRS tax regulations allows donors to still deduct the fair market value of their vehicle, provided the charity does improve the vehicle materially. The "blue book" guides are used to show the average resale prices based on the model and year of your car or vehicle. The charitable organization uses any profit they receive from your vehicle to help fund their specific causes.
Regardless of the tax laws, it's a good idea to protect yourself by having good insurance coverage on your vehicle right up until it is donated. Donating will eliminate the need of paying for advertising for you vehicle, there's no loss of privacy and possible security risk from potential buyers who answer your ads and no need to pay for vehicle registration, insurance, and minor or major repairs to keep your car in running condition while you look for a buyer. Some charities that run their own donation program instead of hiring a car donation program broker or middleman are discriminating about which vehicles they will accept, repair and materially improve. They generally sell most of the vehicles at retail prices.
For the states that require getting smog or safety inspection certificates, you can donate your vehicle without any of these documents. In some cases charitable car donors can still claim the fair market value for their vehicle. Typically the vehicle is marketed by the charity and sold to a buyer in who is in need of a good used vehicle.
In the past you could deduct the fair market value of the car at the time of the deduction - but not any more. Charities look at car donations from both the point of view of the donor of the car, and themselves as the charity receiving it.
Picking the best charity for your car donation can be very overwhelming and you want to make sure your choice is the best choice for you. Major charity car donation programs include: the Salvation Army, the Purple Heart Car Donation Program and the Jewish Car Donation Program. So go ahead and donate your car, truck, boat, RV, motorcycle or even your aircraft today and enjoy a nice vehicle donation tax deduction on your next income tax return.

For more info on choosing the best charity car donation, car donation program, used car donation or charitable car donation online and offline go to http://www.Car-Donation-Info.com for charity and tax deduction tips, help, facts, reviews, including information on all types of car donation

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Car Parts - As Important As Cars

One of the vehicles that is so well liked by people are cars. Supremely useful, they help people in a big way and on many fronts. For starters, they eradicate the commuting trouble from the life of humans in a big way. No more waiting long hours for buses or taxis or jostling for space in an over crowded bus. A car also ensures that one reaches his destination on time and relatively fresh. It also adds tremendously to the status symbol of a person. No wonder then that such an extremely useful machine is on top of the wish list of people. However, what is ironical about cars is that though they are the most liked vehicles around, yet, people do not give as much importance as they should to car accessories or to various car parts on whom hinges the success of any car.
A few examples would go a long way in explaining the above mentioned point nicely. Take the case of car stereos. Those wonderful electronic gadget that go a long way in relieving people from stress, boredom and fatigue. Elements that so find their way in long and tiring journey. The importance of these stereos can be understood from the fact that if they are not around then rarely would there be any takers for a car. No matter how sleek it might be. Similar is the story with roof racks which prove immensely useful while shifting from one place to other or while ferrying excessive luggage from one place to other.
The above mentioned examples should hammer home the point that why car accessories or car parts are so important to be taken care of. It must be understood that a careful attention towards them while purchasing a car is must for the smooth functioning of any car.
Just pay a slight attention towards proper upkeep of different car parts and see your car perform superbly on roads giving you a full value of your money.

Garry Kelkar is an expert writer having perfection in automobile industry and presently writing on car accessories topics like car horns, car fog lights, car heaters and so forth.

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Thinking About Buying That "Large Car" and Becoming an Owner Operator?

With the many big trucks on the road, often we see many familiar trucking company names and colors. But the vast majority of freight is still hauled by "Independents" or owner operators. Owning a tractor-trailer and running your own "authority" is similar to running any small business. A good amount of thought must be put into planning and starting your trucking business.
Many truck owners opt for a "lease contract" with a large logistics/brokerage company. By doing this they ease the burden of having to hunt for customers themselves. In essence, the company is leasing YOUR services, truck and time. This also means an obligation to run only said companies freight and no other. For those starting in the industry, this may be a better choice until more experience is gained.
When buying that shiny new ten wheeler, don't let emotions get involved. Some new luxury "Road Trucks" can cost upwards of $125,000. Or the price of a new home in most of the country. After your "spec" and other options it could run nearly $200,000. For many this will simply be too much to get started, try looking for a good "new/used" tractor and keep the miles around 200,000 with plenty of drive train warranty remaining.
When buying an older used or "reconditioned" tractor, familiarize yourself with terms like "dyno testing" and "oil analysis" these reports are critical to the overall value of the truck. Check the warranty on the reconditioned or rebuilt motor, was the build "long"(complete engine) or "short" (top half). And like with any vehicle, check the history report for any "rolls" or major wrecks. Next is tires, drives, ("caps" or new), steer tire odd or uneven wear (clues to steering problems). Is there ANY leakage, cracks or welds on the frame rails? Rebuilt rears, drive shafts,clutch, and turbos? Such items could cost ten times as much to replace in a ten wheeler than in a standard "half ton"
In closing,just remember while some add-ons may be critical (aux power unit,deer guard) however, be wise as to extra expenses. Forget about the ten "low-pro" wheels and tires until you've achieved some success. Just remember to go at it like a business person, conserve cash, reinvest, be frugal, and most of all be safe!
Ride with pride!

.
Eric Lorence was a "long haul" truck driver for twelve years before leaving the industry to start various internet businesses and engage in other pursuits.
Visit his Home Page: Zen Trucking
Read More Articles Here: Thought Search Articles

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No Car Rental Reservation? No Biggie - How To Save Money Renting Cars Without Reservations

In the conventional world, renting cars requires a reservation, confirmation, and even a credit card. With as little as a pair of comfortable walking shoes, a laptop computer (or even a really good pda phone), and a bit of patience, its possible to save more money that you would have reserving online. And you don't even have to have any risk in doing so.
Car rental agencies want you to think they have very rigid price scales. "it costs this much to rent a car, period." Truth is they change the prices all the time. A trained eye and a bit of watching can spot the deals from the dunces. The technique I am about to tell you is basic, easy, and in no way violates any rules that the rental companies want to claim. so take notes and pay attention.
1. If you are planning a trip, go-ahead and book a reservation, the best deal you can find that has no cancellation penalties. Most car rental agencies do not have any cancellation penalties except during peak season and for specialty cars. If you are trapped due to an unexpected change in destination or you changed your mind on renting at the last second, skip this step.
2. Bring or wear your most comfortable walking shoes with you on this trip. Also, bring your laptop computer and a smile.
3. When you land, bust out your computer and hit hotwire.com or any other discount websites. most of these websites will not let you book any reservation within 2 hours of your expected pick up time, so you will have to be prepared for a possible last second delay (bring a book or plan for a light lunch or dinner at the airport, just in case). At the hotwire site, pick out a reservation for a rental car for the desired amount of time. Choose the car class just below you want if your asking for a normal sedan.
4. Hotwire, unlike Priceline, will give you the dollar amount of the best deal they can offer you right there. Use that as your baseline for your bargain hunt. At this point, if the hotwire price is more expensive, or relatively close to your reservation, it may be better to take the reservation price.
5. Take the reservation price, the hotwire estimate, and start going door to door, counter to counter for each and every agency. Your goal is to negotiate, smile, snivel, discount your way into a car for a price that is better than or equal to the best price you have. Car rental agencies report their walk up traffic statistics to the airport authority. The authority uses this data to determine which agencies will get on airport locations and the highest walk up traffic agencies are given the most prime locations. The authority gets a cut of all the business done at the airports and the best company in the best spot traditionally will give them the best revenue.
6. Don't give up, hit em all, play off one against the other. Statements like "national gave me an offer of 18 dollars a day, can you beat that?" are NOT taboo and are very effective in getting the agent to keep you in their company. After all, a walk up is a commission paid event. If you buy from them and you have no reservation, the agent gets a nice tidy check.
7. If your original reservation is the best option, nothing lost except for 15 min of time. Simply go pick up your reserved car and begin your trip. But if your reservation is left in the dust, call and cancel it, and get ready to accept an offer at another location. Notice I said "get ready to accept."
8. As a final attempt at a better car, say "Ill take that offer if you can give me the next car class up for the same price." People don't realize that this is perhaps the EASIEST thing for a car rental agent to do. Upgrades for free are almost always "personal" decisions by the agents. *note, this obviously does not work when the location is extremely busy or sold out. This works best when there is no one around and lots of cars to be had.
As you can see, there is an easy way to get better deals for rental cars even in the worst of circumstances. Some people simply give up and get "whatever" they can find. The truth is, if you plan for it, expect for it to happen, build your travel plans around attempting this, its not nearly as hard or tiring as it seems. The car rental agencies take advantage of traveler's mental status all the time. Be ready, be prepared, and save save save!

J.W. Parker
Insider Emeritus
[http://www.CarRentalInsider.com]
J.W. spent many years as a manager of several car rental locations on the West Coast. His base knowledge has been applied to many car rental travel sites as an insider helping customers guide their way through the mess known as the Car Rental Industry. Although retired from the Rent-A-Car business, he still continues to monitor changes in the industry and help those who ask.

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Car Charity Initiatives - The Perks

Are you tired of thinking how to handle and properly dispose your old car? You should not be considering selling it as doing so would definitely be not a win-win option for you.
Surely, you would be able to generate cash, but there are just too many risks and procedures, you surely would end up resenting you ever put up the used car for sale. Taxes could also chase after you, plus the tediousness and setbacks of possible ownership transfer woes. Thus, it is high time you do a car charity initiative.
A car charity initiative would have you donate your used car to a charitable institution of your choice. Nowadays, almost all charities are openly and willingly accepting such donations. Used cars are fast becoming a popular form of good deed donation, as owners use the car charity initiative as an effective and convenient means to dispose the used car.
Now, there is no need to find prospective purchasers or put up an act to be nice and perky to do some sales talk to convince a prospective purchaser.
To do a car charity effort, all you have to do is to choose a reputable and helpful charity where you would donate the used car. Donating an old car to a charity is like donating actual money. The charity would then arrange to sell the old car to be able to raise proceeds.
You know that charities need money to operate and continue helping causes. Because they are not businesses, they are doing activities to solicit alms and donations in cash or in kind.
The government is mainly very supportive of car charity initiatives. As such, it is offering perks and incentives to generous donors. The most a government can do to help is through offering and providing tax breaks and incentives to car charity donors. Thus, when you donate your old car, you are generating tax breaks. This for some is like a form of repayment for the donated old car.
Why do people tend to make car charity donations? First comes the humanitarian reasons of donating generously to help other people in need. Second, it is a fact that most car donors donate old and cranky cars for the tax incentives. Third, doing so is the most convenient way of disposing or getting rid of an old car.
Imagine what space you have to secure in your garage just to keep that used car. That space could practically be converted and put to good and productive use. You would also not worry anymore about refurbishing, reconditioning and auto detailing your old car. Doing such revival and improvement moves would definitely cost you some fortune.
All you have to do is to call a car charity of your choice. Raise your intentions to donate an old car. The personnel would keep you for a few minutes to get your details like your address and other important information.
In a matter of days or house, personnel from the charity would be at your front door to pick up the old car for donation. Just fill up the forms, provide ownership titles and surrender the old car key. It is time to say goodbye to your old car now.

Alex Baumm. Car Charity initiatives are good and are effective means on how you could share your blessings to others. At the same time, you would get to enjoy perks and privileges yourself. Join our Car Forum and find tips on Car Purchase. Talk about anything related to cars at our car forums.

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Home Maintenance Tips - What Should You Do To Keep Your Car In Working Order

It is surprising how many car owners allow their vehicles to fall into disrepair even though the car is their only mode of transportation, as well as a huge purchase. Being neglectful of the car causes some rather large problems and often times results in the purchase of a new one as repairs can get far too costly. Keeping the car, not just in working order, but in good working order, is just plain smart and healthy for all parties involved. The thing is, a car that runs well is just a smart idea. The potential for accidents, breakdowns, and major mechanical failure is drastically reduced when the car is in good condition. Not only is this so, but a car in good condition easy on the eyes, ears, and the passengers. Simply put, a car that is sputtering and vibrating is far less desirable than one with a smooth ride and a quiet purr. The task of maintaining the car in good working order may seem a daunting one, but most of it is just common sense and practical steps that any owner should implement. The first step is done even before the car is in your possession. Buy a car that has a record for reliability and dependability. Understand that all cars are not created equal and if you have specialized needs and performance requirements, purchase a car that can meet or exceed these. Research and ask questions before putting down the money for that car. A car with a good record will pretty much guarantee, but not all the time, that few repairs will be needed as long as the car is kept tuned and in check which brings us to another way to keep the car running well. Service the car as often as required or as needed. Whenever a problem does arise do not hesitate in taking care of the problem. Some issues can be addressed by the owner while some, unfortunately, need the attention of a mechanic. The Owner's Manual is a great resource that allows you to know when and what needs to be replaced or looked at. Basic issues that can be handled by the owner and which will improve the car's condition and keep it in working order can be anything such as replacing the air filter which can improve the gas mileage. No matter what year, results such as this are beneficial. Follow the recommended guide lines for changing oil as this will always help the function of the engine. There will be a noticeable difference in the performance of the car if you wait too long to change the oil. Tires are often overlooked yet easily taken care of and should always be inflated properly to avoid flats. These alone will improve the car's working order along with immediate care and attention of all other issues that arise. Other tips include having a friend drive the car as they will be able to spot problems that you may be used to and not aware of. Keep the car clean and take pride in it as this gives you cause to keep up with repairs. The way you drive will also affect the car's condition. Drive gently and with caution to avoid unnecessary wear and tear. It is relatively easy to keep the car in good working order as it comes down to you. How much you care and how much you put into the car will mean a lot. Just be cautious and attentive to the car's needs and respond accordingly when an issue does arise as this will pretty much guarantee a car that works great Find a car service and auto repair service centre near you with our easy to use research tool. Most car makes and models supported. Includes vehicle reports, price guide, service guide and more. To make a booking, visit Ford Service. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emma_Gold Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1040810 Cheap Car Tires

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Muscle Cars - Cars With An Attitude

Eleanor is not a person but a muscle car. This Gone in 60 Seconds 1967 Mustang is the complete embodiment of what muscle cars are all about.
Usually powered by a V8 engine, muscle cars were monsters of drag racing world back in the 1960's until early portion of 1980's. With extremely powerful torque, these cars are really going to give you a jaw-dropping ride. Muscle cars are no doubt fast cars with high horse power capability.
The moment you look at such cars, the first things you will see are their bulky curves and high-performance z rated tires which are true affirmation of the reputation that muscle autos are very much known of.
Muscle cars are different from sports cars we have today though some models are inspired by cars like the Ford Mustang. Though sports cars are fast cars like muscle autos, they surely won't last a minute with the supreme torque that muscle autos have - which perhaps makes Eleanor the perfect Gone in 60 Seconds car.
The interiors of muscle cars are real statement of high performance, road warrior type of vehicle. The almost nil sign of elegance and the all heart-pumping design of muscle autos' interiors match their rock and revving integrity that many a cars today try to copy but all in futility. The moment you turn it on, you can't help but notice the fiery breathing of muscle car's engine. The hissing and guzzling is like that of a dragon sleeping always ready to get the tracks burning.
When you hit the gas, the dragon's V8 engine charges in an instant ready to devour all things that block its way... just like when Vin Diesel of The Fast and The Furious rages against the wall and hits the road with such awesome roar.
If what you are looking for is the car with an attitude that never allows being a second rater, muscle autos are the right choice. But prepare to be awestruck with the price because as of now it's of a collector's item kind of thing since you can not easily find one in the market.
However, there are companies and groups that want to bring back muscle cars on the road and these groups are actually buying old muscle autos and reconditioning them to make them roadworthy again.
There are a number of reconditioned muscle cars that can still be found nowadays. There is the all-time favorite 1966 GT 40, 1970 Superbird, 1968 Shelby GT500KR Fastback or 1969 Barracuda Convertible. These models of cars were once kings of the road in the 1960's up to early part of 1980's.
Although muscle autos are now rare species, there are a number of clubs that relive the greatness of muscle cars. These groups stage races and events all with the purpose of having some fun and reminiscing those days when muscle autos ruled the streets.
And thanks to the Internet, people around the world who share common interest in muscle cars now have a dependable means to showcase the glory of muscle autos and allow the younger generation to see the real muscle in high-performance driving via muscle cars.

Alex Baumm, member of a car club. Join our Car Club today and find more info on Muscle Cars, Car Purchase etc.

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How To Find Cheap Car Hire At Alicante Airport

Most travellers to Spain are interested in car hire when they're on holiday in Alicante. But what many people may not realize is that you can save quit some money on your car rental on the Costa Blanca if you plan ahead and do your research. Here are some simple tips to save money on your next holiday in Alicante or whenever you need a rent a car.
Shop around. Research for car hire in Alicante, or any other popular tourist destination in Spain can be best done online and it is important to compare the rates from various car rental companies, travel comparison website or specialized car hire brokers which compare companies against each other.
Book you car hire at Alicante airport ahead of time. Booking early is essential to saving money. You can obviously get off the plane and book your car hire at one of the car rental counters at Alicante airport, but you must be prepared to pay more, much more. Instead, get online and simply look for the best car hire deal available.
If you are planning your holidays several months in advance, check the car hire prices as soon as possible, because many times, car rental companies will give discounts to early bookers (sometimes called early bird deals).
Consider how much time will you spend in the car in all reality? Whilst on holiday you will be out of the car most of the time. It just makes sense to get a more affordable vehicle and pocket the extra money instead of renting a bigger model.
After signing the car rental agreement make sure that the vehicle is in good shape. Examine the car for scratches, dents, tears in the upholstery or balding tires and if you find any, report them to the car rental representative before leaving. If you don't, at some companies you may be considered responsible for the costs of those repairs when you return the vehicle.
It is not always necessary to buy extra car insurance from the car rental agency. Most companies will propose and additional insurance cover when you collect the vehicle, but sometimes it's really not necessary. Make sure that you understand the conditions when you accept the offer of car rental insurance from the agency.
Some car rental companies apply an out of hour service charge if you collect the car after midnight. Do the numbers before you book that cheaper flight with late night arrival, in the end you may have to pay the money saved to the car hire company in Alicante instead of the airline.
Make sure that you fully understand the petrol policy when you collect the car at Alicante airport. Some car hire companies in Alicante may request you to fill up the car and return with a full tank of petrol, others will ask you to return the car as empty as possible and do not refund unused fuel.
Car rental is usually an easy and straightforward process and you can drive around in a great looking car at a great price. Regardless of what area you're in, try to book your car early and save that money for the holiday itself!

Rudi van der Zalm is the founder of one of Europe's most popular online car hire services to help travellers find cheap car hire at Alicante airport and other tourist destinations in Spain. Visit www.hispacar.com for a free online car hire quote.

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Why You Should Buy A Used Car

Some of the best values in the automobile market are used cars, especially late model used cars. Nearly everyone has heard that value of a car drops by one quarter as soon as the new car is driven off of the dealership lot. Not only does the second owner of a car not pay that cost depreciation, but other expenses such as collision insurance and taxes for the car are also lower. Also, many times the used cars that a person looks at will have more options than they would have considered for the same vehicle if they had bought it new.
One of the best reasons to buy a used car is reliability. Looking at the history of used cars from 1980 through the year 2000, the reliability of vehicles has improved by leaps and bounds. Problems of mechanical failures reported for two-year-old vehicles has declined to a fraction of what it was in 1980, the year such statistics started being kept. For example, exhaust system problems and related systems are now of minor concern, where once they used to be a significant problem. Today's vehicles should go well past 100,000 miles, and many can reach 200,000 miles with only minor repairs to the vehicle.
One way to notice this is that the warranties given by the car companies on their cars are now for twice the years and miles that they once were, even ten years ago. Also, these warranties cover more systems of the car than they once did. Depending on the year and the model, some buyers may be able to get the remaining manufacturer's warranty on the used car. However, considering the reliability of modern cars, most of the costs will be for replacement parts such as tires, battery, and other items that are not covered by warranty.
One thing to be aware of when looking at a used car is that safety considerations typically change somewhat year-to-year. Hence, such things as curtain airbags and new child seat restraint options are harder to find on the older vehicles. However, such features as antilock brakes, traction control, and side airbags are typically much more affordable on a used car than ordering them as options on the new car.
There are a number of questions to ask when considering purchasing a used car, and we are not going to cover all of them here. However, make sure you ask if the car has been an accident, if there are any recalls on the car, and the reason that the car is being sold. It is also a good idea to go to Carfax.com and get the vehicle report for the car.
Inspect a car both inside and outside, looking for evidence of any extreme wear, mistreatment, or other problems. When looking under the hood pay attention to the hoses and belts, and see if the rubber parts are firm and not hard or mushy. Check fluid levels and make sure that the owner currently has them up to the correct level. Check the radiator fluid and make sure that it is a clear green color, rather than milky or rusty. After making this simple inspection, the car should be taken to an independent mechanic for a used car check. Typically most independent mechanic shops have a fixed rate for that type of service.
A good several-year-old car is one of the best buys in the automotive field, and with a little careful inspection you will find a car that will be of good service for many years.

Car Rental South Carolina and Rent A Car South Carolina

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Rental Car Insurance - Is Your Own Auto Policy Good Enough?

Summer is coming and if you're thinking about renting a car for vacation, you will be asking the age old question - "Should I purchase the car insurance from the rental agency?" The answer is - IT DEPENDS. If you do your homework before you get to the rental counter you can save yourself a lot of money. It really won't take much time because while you're shopping for a good deal on a rental you can also be checking out the insurance situation.
Actually your first call for renting a car will not be to the rental agency but to your own insurance agency. You need to find out what the extent of your auto insurance coverage is. Most auto insurance policies will extend to rental cars but insurance experts recommend inquiring about two things - collision damage waiver and liability. Also if you're letting your teenager do some of the driving of the rental car, ask your agent and the rental agency about coverage.
Collision damage waiver, or CDW (as it often appears on rental contracts) covers any damage to the car you are driving and liability covers damage you do to someone else. You need to ask your agent if there is a limit on your collision insurance. If you regularly drive an older car but rent a brand new luxury car (remember sometimes if a car is available you can upgraded to one of these types of cars for free), make sure your personal insurance policy will cover the whole cost of replacing the more expensive auto. If your policy doesn't cover replacement cost and your car is worth $2,000 and you total a rental worth $20,000, you are on the hook for $18,000.
Frequently, consumers who drive older cars don't carry collision at all. If this is your situation, you need to buy a policy at the rental counter or use a credit card that will give you this coverage. Consumer advocates recommend if you rent cars often you might get an estimate from your agent on a policy to cover you as it might be cheaper.
Now about that credit card.... Many major credit card companies say they will provide you with insurance coverage if you use their card to rent a car. READ THE FINE PRINT because they do not always offer full coverage. Some cards only cover you if you rent from a certain agency, some limit coverage to certain type of cars, some you have to enroll in a program to get the coverage, some may only reimburse you the deductible you would have to pay under your regular auto insurance and some may only provide collision and comprehensive and leave you hanging for personal injury or property damage to others. READ THE FINE PRINT or call and ask the credit card company. Extra advice here - get it in writing what your credit card covers.
What about the insurance the rental car company offers? Again, you will need to find exactly what they cover. Some rental car agencies offer collision, liability, contents and life insurance and others offer some version of collision. Their collision may cover everything or may exclude such thing as tires, wheels and glass. Find out beforehand, so you are not standing at the rental counter feeling hurried and trying to make these choices. If you're worried about stuff get stolen out your car - check your homeowner's policy to see if you're covered.
Finally, some people think if they use the rental company insurance and they have an accident, they are protected from a rate increase from their insurance company. You are not protected. According some large insurers, if you are at fault, no matter who pays, your home insurance company can raise your rates.

Learn more about Rental Car Insurance and find the Best Online Car Insurance Quote Form.

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How To Ship A Car

Auto shipping may seem like a gigantic task, but if you know what to do beforehand, you should be able to pull it off rather easily.
With auto transport, one of the major hassles you have to deal with is preparing the car before it's shipped. First, you must wash the car well, even if it's going to be shipped on an open trailer. This will make it easier to identify any chips, dings, or damage that occurs en route, if it occurs. The next rule of car shipping is to take all personal items out of the vehicle. You don't want to leave anything behind while the car is traveling to its destination.
Make sure the car alarm is disabled and ensure that the gas tank isn't full. It's recommended to keep the tank between 1/8 and 1/4 full so that the car weighs as little as possible. With car transport, the weight may affect the price, so keep this in mind when preparing the car.
Remove or secure anything in the car that can come loose, such as ground effects, spoilers, and fog lights. Wide mirrors should be folded back, and move antennae out of the way as well. With auto transport, the more that stays out of the way, the better.
When prepping your vehicle for car transport, ensure that the car battery is charged, the tires are inflated properly, and you top off all fluids. If anything is wrong with the car or it has any quirks, write them down for the driver, as well as all the information needed to start, stop, and drive the car onto the trailer. Details are important with car shipping.
It's also a good idea to write down any damage that your vehicle already has, if any, before auto shipping. This is so you have a record of the condition of the vehicle prior to auto shipping. You can even take pictures if it makes you feel better about the process.
So what are the different ways you can go about car shipping? The first option is an open trailer. This type of auto transport is uncovered and is the most popular option due to the price. This is the inexpensive way to go about car transport, so if you want to save money, this is the choice for you. Keep in mind that your car will be open to the elements with this type of auto transport.
Your second option is a closed trailer that consists of a covered freight area. People shipping expensive cars or a classic car tend to use this type of car shipping, for obvious reasons. Another reason to use this type of car transport is to protect your vehicle if you will be shipping it through dry areas. This means your car will be safe from wind, sand, and heat. Of course, covered auto shipping is more expensive.
The cost of auto transport essentially depends on the distance the car will travel, as well as how busy that particular route is.
It's always a good idea to find a car transport service that is well-known and trustworthy. When car shipping, you don't want to put your vehicle in the hands of a car transport company that doesn't know how to handle car transportation properly.
Before selecting an auto shipping company, ask a lot of questions and make sure you feel comfortable with the driver ahead of time. Talk about price so that it's clear what you will be paying from the start. A car transport service, when shipping a car, should be clear on price. Shipping a car is a big investment for you, so it pays to be informed.
Vehicle shipping and car transportation companies that have credibility in the industry and a good reputation are the best choices to make. Auto shippers that have a bad name should be avoided because vehicle shipping is not a game - you can't afford to damage your car due to negligent auto shippers. Shop around until you find the best company for you.

To learn more about Shipping your car, check out the Free Consumer Review Web Site.

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5 Tell Tale Signs You Should Not Buy That Used Car

With the overwhelming rate of depreciation on new cars, and the huge selection of bargains, previously owned cars are the ideal investment in money savings. But there are key elements the consumer must be on the look out for, so that he/she can make a sound purchase without having to deal with the pitfalls of buying a turkey. Here are five simple tips to concentrate on when selecting that used automobile.
#1-My car is a rental huh? The argument can be made (mostly by the sales consultants) that a well taken care of previous rental, is a smart choice. Those guys will try to upsell you on the idea that they love having those cars, mainly for the reason that rental companies have such an outstanding service record with maintenance. But the pure question is...how did you treat your last rental? There are some great drivers out there, but let's be honest, the vast majority of them take lousy care of those rentals for the duration. Therefore, putting lots of strain and wear on the most expensive mechanical parts. I have personally been a witness to, a great deal of rental dogs out there. Aside from this, there is an enormous rate of depreciation on these cars, dealers can easily check a Carfax for the registration history and hammer your trade in values. What should you look for? First of all, do a Carfax check, made payable by the dealer of course, it details all previous ownership using DMV records. Those documents are really reliable. And inspect the car, check for rental decals under the hood, in the door jambs (where the vin/paint codes are located), look for those "no smoking caps" on the 12v power outlets, and also check the owner's manual for a rental car decal designation. Now, you wouldn't have to make guesswork as to whether or not you have a genuine rental on your hands.
#2-My car has a star or smiley decal on it, what's the significance? Those cool little decals we spot on windshields mean a lot more to the dealer than just making the consumer, warm and fuzzy. It is designated to dealers as their "hit cars". To them, it's autos that were specifically targeted for immediate sale. Normally, any car that has a decal, is more than likely is an aged unit. Keep in mind, if a car has been on the lot for 90 days, it would seem like they really are willing to deal on em...not so. Pre-owned cars are the money makers in the dealerships stable, they will not sacrifice profit if they know there's a way to snake the consumer. Aged cars have been around for a while, neglected, tired (imagine a car not moving in three months?), and unwanted, so why get hooked by the perceived value? Additionally, there's no chance to get a great price on these, because book values have dropped on a three month old car. Therefore, aged units have had a terrible resale value and are a maintenance nightmare.
#3-My car didn't start on the test drive, should I be worried? You bet you should! Dead batteries can come from anything. If a car hasn't been started in a while, there's a good chance it has a dead battery. A car's alternator is directly responsible for recharging the battery during normal usage. If the battery is dead, there might be supplemental problems with the ignition and battery charging system. And you know the car hasn't been started on a regular basis. A truly unworthy endeavor that can cost the owner thousands of dollars in repairs, avoid if possible.
#4-Squeeks, leaks, and rattles. Yeah I know, it's too be expected as automobiles wear out over time. But let's get to the point. If your suspension makes a lot of noise when you drive, this can be a costly fix going well into the thousands. I've had to personally repair bushings, control arms, and rear links on my newly purchased2004 Tahoe 4WD, these cost me over $1500! Mechanics are not cheap by nature, so obviously repairing such items will make the consumer's head spin. The same can be said for leaks and rattles. If you have an oil or coolant leak, it's expensive. Also if your steering column rattles and is loose, it's expensive. If its a must have automobile, twist the dealers' arm into fixing the problems and you should be A-OK. Keep in mind, it's your money they want you to spend there and now, you have the ultimate power of the word...NO.
#5-And finally, if the desk manager is constantly pointing at the car you SHOULD buy, then don't. It's real simple, dealerships are conditioned to enhance their bottom line. So they'll want to sell the most profitable cars on the lot, even at the cost of upsetting the consumer's wants and needs. Nine times out of ten, the buyer would not even like the chosen car, nor would they be caught dead driving it. You have done the research, and spent the time driving the favorites, buy the car you'll be happy seeing in the driveway for years to come. Think, and don't make the hasty decisions.
I hope I was able to educate and give some good buying tips. Purchasing such an expensive good should not be without all of the important consumer information. These tips are easy to implement, even for the inexperienced. And best of all, it's all about using basic common sense and judgement.

For more tips and advice on buying that new or used car, please feel free to visit: [http://kookoox10gapins.blogspot.com/]
And for some tips and advice on financing or leasing that new car please visit: [http://kookoox10-lease-finance.blogspot.com/]
Shaun Davidson-Automotive and Finance Consultant-2008

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Get Ready to Install Your Car DVD, Seven Great Tips For DIY Installers Guaranteed to Work

So you've grown tired of the limited capabilities of your car stereo. You want something with a pounding bass; great, crunchy mids and a crisp, clear top end... and you would also like some monitors in the car for a backing device
Perhaps it's your first time taking on such an endeavor but that doesn't mean you want to go to any places that install DVD players in your car.
While car audio equipment and car DVD installation can be a long and treacherous road for the novice, it can be a rewarding one as you get to experience the fruits of your labor on a daily basis.
So before you look for places that install DVD players in your car or call a car DVD installation service because you can't find any information on how to install a mobile DVD player in a car you might want to read these seven tips. They could save a lot of drama when you do a DIY car DVD installation.
Tip Number 1, do your homework.
Before anybody starts on any serious venture the first thing they need to do is some sort of preparation. Installing a car DVD is no exception and it is always wise to do some research, get information on installing a car DVD player and then make a plan before going anywhere near a toolbox.
The first step in preparing for an installation is to do some research to find out what you need to know before doing the installation.
Read the instruction book for tips and instructions for installing in dash car DVD player into cars, regardless whether you're just installing a portable DVD player in a car or doing a DVD and car alarm installation.
While it may sound girly to read instructions before doing an install of a DVD player in a car it will guarantee that you understand how the component works and what wires you need to put where in order to get it to work in your car... it will also help if you need to ask the vendor for help and you can explain the problem in more detail than 'there was a funny smell and "it didn't work properly".
Just reading and understanding the manual is likely to be enough if you are just installing a DVD player into an existing unit but this will only be the first step if you are trying to do a DVD car alarm installation, or if you are installing a completely new car audio system.
If you are doing more than just installing portable DVD player in your car you might want to go online to see what tips you can find there.
First look at sites online that have information on installing a car DVD player. They will have information on how to install a system with DVD player for a car, as well as helping you with things like:

• Guides,
• Glossaries,
• Step by step instructions,
• Car DVD players install guides
• Links to car audio installation DVDs
• Wiring plans designed for your model of the car.

Once you have visited these sites and finding information on installing a car DVD player you may find you still have some more specific questions on how to install a mobile DVD player in a car. These can usually be solved by a member of a car audio forum, of which several can be found online.Once you have done your research you may think you are ready to start installing the car DVD player. However it might be a good idea to make a plan before you take this step.
Tip Number 2:
Another thing to consider, especially if you are installing a subwoofer, is to glue your license plate to the bracket with silicon. This will stop it shaking and will prevent any unwanted interest from the long arm of the law.
Tip Number 3: Give yourself enough time and space to get the job done?
It normally takes up to two days for a professional to do a good car DVD installation job so you should give yourself the same time period of uninterrupted access to the car.
It is also important to give yourself the space to do the job. You need enough to be able to remove the interior of the car, lay out the components in a logical pattern and then put them back in. Working in a cluttered space makes it too easy to loose things or get confused.
Tip Number 4: Solder wires to each other, don't just twist or fold them together.
Soldering wires together helps the signals transfer much better and will make it much less likely for connections to break if you spend a lot of time driving on rough roads.
Soldering is easy to do and kits can be purchased easily and cheaply from most hardware or electrical stores.
Tip Number 5: Mount speakers and screens onto a surface that can support them.
Most of the humming bass lines you hear coming out of cars today has come from a rear tray that cannot support the two six-by-nine-inch speakers that have been mounted in it, which then creates the rattly bass sound. Replace the tray, and anywhere else you plan on installing large speakers into, with something more solid.
Tip Number 6: Make the earth wire as short as possible.
If you install a decent car stereo you are probably going to want an amplifier to make sure it doesn't get affected by the engine's workload. This will mean you will need to earth the stereo unit.
It is important to make sure you attach the earth to the chassis at the closest point possible and make the earth wire as short as possible to reduce the amount of voltage it eats up.
Tip Number 7: Put speaker signal wires and speaker power wires on different sides of the car.
You may think it would be a good idea to run the power wire for a speaker directly beside the signal wire. It is easy to do and it looks tidy after all. However by doing this you are creating inductance; a magnetic field which, if close enough to the signal wire. This reduces the signal that gets through to the speaker and causes the speaker to produce static.
This can be avoided simply by running your signal and power cables down opposite sides of the car. If you can't do this then try to keep the wires as far apart as possible. If you follow these seven steps it should make your life a little easier. Good luck and happy motoring.

For more help with Car DVD Installation, visit http://www.chinavasion.com today.

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Moving Your Car Great Distances - Ship It!

Most people just drive their car when moving to a new location, but what if it is a great distance or overseas? In such situations, the answer is simple to ship it!
What is auto shipping? The simplest answer is that it's a way to ship your car, much the same way that you would ship other items from one place to another. The trick comes in how large a car is, and how difficult it can be to find a truck or other transport vehicle to take your car to it's destination - sometimes across country. While you might think that you just need to hire a tow truck for this purpose, they often leave your car exposed to many different road hazards during their trip - as the trucks, flatbed or hook trucks, are uncovered.
Most people will drive their car to its new spot, but if you have a valuable car that needs to go a large distance that you may be flying to, the answer to what is covered car transport might be of interest to you. Car transport involves shipping your car in a large truck, one that is enclosed much the way that a race car's transport vehicle is. These are usually trucks that are specifically designed to hold cars, as opposed to semi tractor trailers that are pressed into service.
Car transport companies have to be extremely careful with their cargo, after all, this isn't the same as shipping boxes of books or even home theater equipment. Cars that require shipping can often cost tens of thousands of dollars, even hundreds of thousands of dollars. This means that all cars have to be rigorously inspected before being shipped, so that owners and transporters alike can keep track of any damage that occurs during shipping - even small scratches or scrapes.
The transport company also has to be very aware of other small details regarding their cargo. Most shippers charge car owners by weight to ship their car, so some transport companies will advise car owners to make their cars as light as possible by removing all personal affects, as well as keeping the car's gas tank almost on empty. Cars should also be at their optimal operating level, with the battery charged and tires properly inflated.
For some car owners, the idea of shipping their car from one place to another might seem a bit useless or extreme. But if you own an expensive car that just needs to get from one spot to another, the answer to the question what is covered car transport may be of interest to you.

Aazdak Alisimo writes about covered car transport for CoveredCarTransportQuote.com where you can get a car transport quote for domestic and international moves.

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