4 Keys To A Happy Car
Dummy | 10:44 |
American Cars
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Car Tips
Many people rely on a car each day for work and for entertainment. Cars make it possible to get to locations that are inaccessible by any other means. A happy car provides safety, reliability and high performance. There are four keys to maintaining a happy car.
Maintaining a happy car means driving in a way that does not place unnecessary strain on the different parts of the vehicle. Actions such as frequent and hard breaking and sudden acceleration will both start to wear down components like the brakes and the transmission. Drivers need to handle the car in a way that allows the engine, transmission and other parts to operate as intended. This will keep the car happy while also reducing the need for repairs and extending the life of the vehicle.
The different fluids that are used by the various parts of the car need to be checked and refilled as necessary even between scheduled service visits. Oil is very important. The levels should be checked regularly since levels could drop suddenly if a problem occurs. Transmission fluid keeps the system from overheating. The fluids might need to be completely replaced between service visits. This is because the heat of the car and time will eventually change the basic properties of the fluids and make them less effective.
A happy car is a vehicle that is well maintained. This means taking the vehicle in for professional service according to the manufacturer recommendations. This could be after a certain amount of time or after a certain number of miles. Regular maintenance includes replacing important items like air filters or brake pads when necessary. Maintenance technicians will also replace damaged parts like leaking hoses, worn spark plugs and frayed electrical wires. This regular maintenance will keep the car happy and working as efficiently as possible.
Tire care is essential for a happy car. The first step is to use a tire size calculator to determine the optimal size of the tires for the car. Changing the tire size can improve safety and fuel efficiency. The tires need to be inflated to the correct level for the season. Tires need to be aligned regularly to prevent unnecessary strain on the transmission and brakes. Tire rotation improves handling and traction. Tires also need to be changed according to the season in order to get the best performance possible.
Maintaining a happy car means paying attention to some of the small signs that a problem might be developing. This includes unusual noises and smells as well as inconsistent performance. Taking care of these small problems will keep the car running happily for a long time.
+Jayla Barnsen
1. Drive Responsibly
Maintaining a happy car means driving in a way that does not place unnecessary strain on the different parts of the vehicle. Actions such as frequent and hard breaking and sudden acceleration will both start to wear down components like the brakes and the transmission. Drivers need to handle the car in a way that allows the engine, transmission and other parts to operate as intended. This will keep the car happy while also reducing the need for repairs and extending the life of the vehicle.
2. Maintain Fluids
The different fluids that are used by the various parts of the car need to be checked and refilled as necessary even between scheduled service visits. Oil is very important. The levels should be checked regularly since levels could drop suddenly if a problem occurs. Transmission fluid keeps the system from overheating. The fluids might need to be completely replaced between service visits. This is because the heat of the car and time will eventually change the basic properties of the fluids and make them less effective.
3. Regular Professional Maintenance
A happy car is a vehicle that is well maintained. This means taking the vehicle in for professional service according to the manufacturer recommendations. This could be after a certain amount of time or after a certain number of miles. Regular maintenance includes replacing important items like air filters or brake pads when necessary. Maintenance technicians will also replace damaged parts like leaking hoses, worn spark plugs and frayed electrical wires. This regular maintenance will keep the car happy and working as efficiently as possible.
4. Tire Care
Tire care is essential for a happy car. The first step is to use a tire size calculator to determine the optimal size of the tires for the car. Changing the tire size can improve safety and fuel efficiency. The tires need to be inflated to the correct level for the season. Tires need to be aligned regularly to prevent unnecessary strain on the transmission and brakes. Tire rotation improves handling and traction. Tires also need to be changed according to the season in order to get the best performance possible.
Maintaining a happy car means paying attention to some of the small signs that a problem might be developing. This includes unusual noises and smells as well as inconsistent performance. Taking care of these small problems will keep the car running happily for a long time.
Author Bio:
Jayla Barnsen is a freelance blogger from Eugene, Oregon. She writes on a variety of topics, including cars, saving money and the great outdoors. This article was co-authored by Rhett J. Stone.+Jayla Barnsen
Cars are an essential part of American life. They get you where you need to go, but they can be dangerous when drivers don't operate them properly. Around 10 million car accidents occur every year in the United States, and accidents can cause serious or fatal injuries to the driver and passengers. Most wrecks could be prevented by avoiding some of the major causes of car accidents.
Teenage drivers are especially prone to text messaging while driving, and this makes them four times as likely to get into a crash. Drivers need to keep both hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road. Cell phones should be turned off before you get in the car. Although it may seem convenient, eating in the car is also a major distraction, and you should avoid it.
In addition, driving under the influence can result in arrest and serious legal problems, including prison sentences. If you've consumed any amount of alcohol, it's not a good idea to drive, even if you don't feel drunk. Find a designated driver before heading out for a night of partying, and take the keys away from someone who's attempting to drive drunk. They might be angry with you at the time, but they'll thank you for it later.
Speed limits are posted to make driving safer, so you should follow them. Limits are generally lower in school zones or neighborhoods to avoid hitting pedestrians. Following the speed limit will drastically decrease your chances of causing an accident, and according to Engine Repair in Houston, totaling your car.
Distractions
Nowadays, people have more electronic gadgets than ever before. Mp3 players, cell phones, and GPS systems are a part of everyday life, but they can also be a major distraction while you're behind the wheel. Many states have outlawed the use of electronic devices while driving, but the problem persists.Teenage drivers are especially prone to text messaging while driving, and this makes them four times as likely to get into a crash. Drivers need to keep both hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road. Cell phones should be turned off before you get in the car. Although it may seem convenient, eating in the car is also a major distraction, and you should avoid it.
Drunk Driving
Drinking impairs a person’s judgment and senses. Driving Under Influence or DUI is responsible for a large percentage of car crash fatalities.In addition, driving under the influence can result in arrest and serious legal problems, including prison sentences. If you've consumed any amount of alcohol, it's not a good idea to drive, even if you don't feel drunk. Find a designated driver before heading out for a night of partying, and take the keys away from someone who's attempting to drive drunk. They might be angry with you at the time, but they'll thank you for it later.
Speeding
People often speed because they're in a hurry, but causing a fatal accident is far worse than being a few minutes late. When you're traveling over the speed limit, it's harder to stop or control your car should something unexpected happen.Speed limits are posted to make driving safer, so you should follow them. Limits are generally lower in school zones or neighborhoods to avoid hitting pedestrians. Following the speed limit will drastically decrease your chances of causing an accident, and according to Engine Repair in Houston, totaling your car.
Well before I get to my point, I must tell you about how important are kids in our lives. I live in Lahore, Pakistan and enjoying my life with my parents. Currently, I am working with a Japanese used cars exporter. I have no sibling that means I am the only attraction of my parents in this world. That is way I faced many restrictions in my childhood. I was not allowed to go outside as commonly as my other friends could move and play different kind of games. Few months ago I had a negative feeling that why my parents were so strict or careful about me? But soon I found my answer through an incident.
Mr. Obaid is our neighbor living with his wife. They don’t have kids but the story wasn't the same 3 month ago. Mr. Obaid came to my home 4 months ago and asked me to suggest him a family or passenger car. I suggested him a car and they bought it after 15 days from my company’s showroom. As my social responsibility, I advised Mr. Obaid to keep all the precautions while driving a car including seat belt, door checks, wheels air etc. But He didn't paid attention to what I was talking about. In the first weekend after buying a car they went out for a picnic party to the nearest park. Mr. Obaid was driving, his wife was sitting on the back seat and a son with the age of 7 years was sitting on the 2nd front seat along with his daddy. The blunder my neighbor made that they didn't fastened the belt of their son and moreover the Mr. Obaid was driving at a speed of 75 to 80 miles per hour.
What happened was horrible and depressing. My neighbor’s car ran into a pickup truck and due to instant break, Mr. Obaid’s son came out from the front window by breaking it and died on the spot. That was really not worth telling what situation I saw there and in the hospital or in their house after the death of their beloved son.
But the question is that what made this accident to happen? What was the cause? Was it due to over speeding? Answer to all these questions is that only negligence made Mr. Obaid and his wife to live without their son.
Now, I am going to tell you about some precautionary measures or tips to keep your kid safe while driving and not to commit serious mistakes like Mr. Obaid did. Please have a glance on the tips below.
So, these were some of the important tips and precautionary measures during driving a car with a child. I hope I have helped many family oriented people by writing this article. Kamran, the son of Mr. Obaid was just like a younger brother to me. I still remember that when I got a car in a reward to my promotion as a Marketing Manager, Kamran saw my car and said that I will also find an exporter of Japanese used cars, work with them and will get a car in a reward of my hard work. I dedicate this article to him and I request all the parents to follow these instructions and tips to have a safe journey. You kids are your life so don’t ruin your life.
Make it as happy and safe as you can with your children.
Mr. Obaid is our neighbor living with his wife. They don’t have kids but the story wasn't the same 3 month ago. Mr. Obaid came to my home 4 months ago and asked me to suggest him a family or passenger car. I suggested him a car and they bought it after 15 days from my company’s showroom. As my social responsibility, I advised Mr. Obaid to keep all the precautions while driving a car including seat belt, door checks, wheels air etc. But He didn't paid attention to what I was talking about. In the first weekend after buying a car they went out for a picnic party to the nearest park. Mr. Obaid was driving, his wife was sitting on the back seat and a son with the age of 7 years was sitting on the 2nd front seat along with his daddy. The blunder my neighbor made that they didn't fastened the belt of their son and moreover the Mr. Obaid was driving at a speed of 75 to 80 miles per hour.
What happened was horrible and depressing. My neighbor’s car ran into a pickup truck and due to instant break, Mr. Obaid’s son came out from the front window by breaking it and died on the spot. That was really not worth telling what situation I saw there and in the hospital or in their house after the death of their beloved son.
But the question is that what made this accident to happen? What was the cause? Was it due to over speeding? Answer to all these questions is that only negligence made Mr. Obaid and his wife to live without their son.
Now, I am going to tell you about some precautionary measures or tips to keep your kid safe while driving and not to commit serious mistakes like Mr. Obaid did. Please have a glance on the tips below.
1. Keep Your Younger Kid With You:
It is very important to keep the younger kid from 1 year to 6 or 8 years with you or if this is not possible then keep your kids at the backseat, install a child restraint (you can find anywhere in your local market) and fastened the belt.2. Seat Belt (Double Check)
Fasten the seat belt of your kid and before moving, double check it because sometimes you do not pay attention in first time.3. Lock The Doors
It is very important to lock the back seat doors and try to keep your child away from the door lock because kids have the tendency to play with the door lock.4. Turn off The Music Player And Car TV
I feel very bad about those people who have ruined their lives by losing their loved ones just due to some negligence. Car music and TV are some of the big attention grabbing objects. So, when driving a car, turn off your TV which is visible to the driver. It is recommended to lower the level of volume of music too because you have to listen every voice of your kid behind your seat.5. Keep Your Child Away From Airbag
Although airbag is for the safety yet it is only designed for the adults not for the children. They are very power full when inflated and they can injure a kid very badly. Airbag’s placement in the car is too low which can be a reason of suffocation. So, always place your child at the backseat.6. Don’t Keep Hard Things/Metal Along With Child Seat
Study tells that the child’s skin or body is more sensitive than an adult. So, don’t keep any hard thing or metal along with the child restraint or seat. On the time of instant break or accident these things can make very dangerous damages to your child.7. Always Pull Over When Kid Drops Something
Survey found that very high percentage of people tries to pick up dropped things during driving which is very harmful. It is highly recommended to pull-over your car before picking up a dropped thing by your child.8. Keep Small But Dangerous Things Away
It is experienced that people who smoke usually give their lighters to their child as a playing objects. This is very hard to believe but it happens. If you smoke and have a lighter so keep it with you and do not give it to your kid or do not keep it near to your child.9. Keep Checking Your Kid
Don’t leave your child unattended. Children can do serious damage with themselves. So, keep checking your child by pulling over your car when at a long journey.So, these were some of the important tips and precautionary measures during driving a car with a child. I hope I have helped many family oriented people by writing this article. Kamran, the son of Mr. Obaid was just like a younger brother to me. I still remember that when I got a car in a reward to my promotion as a Marketing Manager, Kamran saw my car and said that I will also find an exporter of Japanese used cars, work with them and will get a car in a reward of my hard work. I dedicate this article to him and I request all the parents to follow these instructions and tips to have a safe journey. You kids are your life so don’t ruin your life.
Make it as happy and safe as you can with your children.
Car accidents are scary. The worst part is that they often occur when you least expect it. Being involved in a crash could mean living with permanent physical injury, psychological instability, or worse. Even when it is impossible to prevent a car accident from happening, there are ways to prepare yourself for the worst before it happens. Here are five things that you should be aware of, the next time you enter your vehicle.
+Brooke Chaplan
1) Keep a notepad and pen in your glove box
It's always a great idea to have pencil and paper in the car because you never know what you might need to jot down. If you find yourself in a mess of metal and glass, record important bits of information so that the whole thing can be sorted out more quickly later. Document the time of the accident, the date, the location, and nearby businesses or landmarks. If you are involved in a crash with another vehicle, write down the license plate number, driver's license number, driver's name, and anything else you find to be important. All of this information can be very useful for rescue workers, law enforcement, legal workers, or anyone else who is called to the scene.2) Ask witnesses what they saw
When two vehicles collide, it is usually the fault of one of those drivers and not both. Being blamed for an accident can have some unsavory consequences, like getting an increase in car insurance rates and not having the cost of the car damage covered by your insurance provider. To help get the story straight on your end, talk to bystanders to get their accounts of what happened. If you can have someone confirm your story in court, you should be in the clear.3) Purchase car and health insurance if you don't already have it
If you don't have this "cushion" in place before the blow, you might find yourself in deep financial trouble. Having to pay for car damages out of your own pocket, and medical bills can become overwhelming. Be sure to look in depth at any insurance agency and what policies they can get for you.4) Store a first aid kit in the car
Car crashes can cause minor to major physical trauma. You could suffer anything from a small scratch or bruise, to severe puncture wounds and lacerations. A first aid kit can be used to sanitize a wound, control the bleeding and more, keeping one on hand could mean the difference between life and death.5) Have a car accident attorney on call
Car accident attorneys can be extremely helpful during your time of greatest need. These lawyers specialize in helping you get compensation for injuries and vehicle damage. You will find them to be of major assistance if you are involved in a major car accident. Find one easily by doing a local search like, “Car Accident Lawyer Pensacola”.+Brooke Chaplan
There is nothing holding you back from anything if you have the right travel insurance. That is the beauty of it. Yes it is one of those boring, bureaucratic chores that you will more likely feel the need to completely forget about when you are planning for the trip of a lifetime, but truth of the matter is, sometimes you have to eat your vegetables as well.
So this is what you are looking at: a big juicy steak that is the trip itself, and the side order of steamed vegetables that is the travel insurance. It is easy to just focus on the red meat since that is what you have been dying to sink your teeth into for a long time, but deep inside, you know that the vegetables are a necessary food group to meet the demands of acquired vitamins for your inner organs and your bloodstream.
Cheap travel insurance (or as the Danes say Billig rejseforsikring) is not sexy. Nobody is trying to sell it off as if it was. It is the sensible and mature thing to do. Now, you may consider yourself a bit of a rebel, but there is no contradiction between being smart and still being a rebel. The rebel in you will not lose face because you sign up for an adequate travel insurance, quite the contrary; the rebel in you will likely go down on hands and knees thanking you when push comes to shove and some tropical disease starts doing a number on your internal organs.
Now the fiscal issue may be another factor that weighs in when you are considering travel insurance. Maybe you are starting to get cold feet because you feel like signing up for an insurance plan may take a larger chunk out of your tightly knitted budget than you originally had planned for. Well as valid of a concern that is, you have to balance the risk against the potential damages in the future.
People that have gotten away medically Scot free when they have undertaken a longer journey are an exception to the rule, so the odds for you making it are not in your favor. Having solid travel insurance is an easy way of securing yourself a little bit of piece of mind as you venture into the unknown.
So considering this tasty dish of life that any type of travelling is, whether it is the fast food extraordinaire of an all-inclusive package or the stew of a long trip that has been left to gently brew so all the different ingredients have blended together in an explosion of tastes, you have to listen to the voice of your parents instilled into your backbone, saying that you are not allowed to leave the table until you have finished your vegetables as well.
There is nothing cool about risking it all and leaving without travel insurance, it is just a spur of the moment decision that may come back to haunt you for as long as you live.
+Mark Neyton
So this is what you are looking at: a big juicy steak that is the trip itself, and the side order of steamed vegetables that is the travel insurance. It is easy to just focus on the red meat since that is what you have been dying to sink your teeth into for a long time, but deep inside, you know that the vegetables are a necessary food group to meet the demands of acquired vitamins for your inner organs and your bloodstream.
Cheap travel insurance (or as the Danes say Billig rejseforsikring) is not sexy. Nobody is trying to sell it off as if it was. It is the sensible and mature thing to do. Now, you may consider yourself a bit of a rebel, but there is no contradiction between being smart and still being a rebel. The rebel in you will not lose face because you sign up for an adequate travel insurance, quite the contrary; the rebel in you will likely go down on hands and knees thanking you when push comes to shove and some tropical disease starts doing a number on your internal organs.
Now the fiscal issue may be another factor that weighs in when you are considering travel insurance. Maybe you are starting to get cold feet because you feel like signing up for an insurance plan may take a larger chunk out of your tightly knitted budget than you originally had planned for. Well as valid of a concern that is, you have to balance the risk against the potential damages in the future.
People that have gotten away medically Scot free when they have undertaken a longer journey are an exception to the rule, so the odds for you making it are not in your favor. Having solid travel insurance is an easy way of securing yourself a little bit of piece of mind as you venture into the unknown.
So considering this tasty dish of life that any type of travelling is, whether it is the fast food extraordinaire of an all-inclusive package or the stew of a long trip that has been left to gently brew so all the different ingredients have blended together in an explosion of tastes, you have to listen to the voice of your parents instilled into your backbone, saying that you are not allowed to leave the table until you have finished your vegetables as well.
There is nothing cool about risking it all and leaving without travel insurance, it is just a spur of the moment decision that may come back to haunt you for as long as you live.
Author Bio:
This article is written by Mark Neyton. He is curently living in Denmark with his family and he is a writer interested in various topics like finances, leasing, home improvement. If you want to find more information about Mark you can follow him on Twitter.+Mark Neyton
The Government has announced that cases involving traffic-light jumpers and speeding motorists are to be dealt with by special traffic courts in an attempt bid to free up time for more serious cases.
About half a million motoring are heard in magistrates
courts every year and on average take nearly 6 months from offence to
completion even though 90% of such offences are guilty pleas or proved in
absence. These delays are completely unacceptable and in a move to cut these
delays the Ministry of Justice wants to set up traffic courts.
The justice minister Damian Green said: "Enforcing
traffic laws is hugely important for road safety and saving lives……The justice
system must respond more quickly and effectively to the needs of victims,
witnesses and local communities, and these dedicated courts will enable
magistrates to better organise their work and drive greater efficiency."
The government is in consultation with the judiciary as to
how the traffic courts can be delivered across the country.
The nine police areas have trialled the new traffic courts -
Essex, Hampshire, Kent, Lincolnshire, Metropolitan police, Nottinghamshire,
Norfolk, Suffolk and West Yorkshire. According to Chief Constable Chris Eyre,
the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) these courts have radically
simplified and speeded up the process, reduced the amount of adjournments and a
single court can deal with up to 160 cases a day. He said "This is only
implemented when there is a guilty plea or where the case against a defendant
is not contested”.
As
a personal injury lawyer representing injured vulnerable road users,
cyclists and pedestrians one of the most frustrating aspects of my job is
failure on the part of the police and CPS to taking motoring offences
seriously. All to often a decision is taken not to prosecute a motorist on the
basis that it is felt that that is insufficient evidence to secure a
conviction. I welcome the news that special courts are to be set up but I hope
that this will mean that serious motoring cases are dealt with effectively and
are properly resourced. It is important that dangerous drivers are dealt with
appropriately by the courts and this should include driving bans.
If the special traffic courts will result in reducing court
backlogs this must be welcome development. The special courts must not however
be seen as undermining the importance of compliance of traffic laws.
What do you think
about these proposals? Let us know…
Three Reasons to Buy Peugeot Parts Online
Dummy | 12:48 |
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Comprehensive Range
We’re not talking about a single random scrapyard, but rather a huge network of authorized breakers yards that in essence come together to offer the biggest and most eclectic range of parts the UK has ever seen. And when it comes to the rarest of parts and those that haven’t been made by the manufacturer for decades, there’s really not a better place on Earth to turn. If a Peugeot part exists or has ever existed, this is where you’ll find it.
Convenience
Costs
By Dave Marsh
+Agnes Jimenez
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2013: Everything You Need to Know
Anonymous | 09:12 |
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Goodwood Festival of Speed is a highlight on any British petrolhead’s calendar and the 2013 event is sure to be another spectacular event. The famous motoring festival happens every year and this will be celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, so you’ll be able to immerse yourself in a real party atmosphere.
Highlights of the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2013
The 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed is due to take place from 11th – 14th July in the grounds of Goodwood House, near Chichester, West Sussex. The main festival takes place over the weekend including Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but if you’re looking for inspiration for your next car purchase, why not head to Goodwood on the Thursday for the Moving Motor Show.
Here, you can take a look at some of the latest greatest models from a wide range of famous car manufacturers and even take some of them on test drives around the Goodwood Estate.
The Moving Motor Show is a great event to attend if you’re thinking of buying a new car – although if you’re splashing out on a vehicle, don’t forget to look into an online insurance policy to see if you could save money when it comes to getting your new pride and joy on the road. If you do end up buying a new car, consider multi car insurance policies, which cut out the hassle of insuring two vehicles separately.
The festival’s main events kick off on Friday 12 July. You can explore the site, watch drivers and riders practicing for the following day’s hill climb or look on in awe as wealthy motoring fans bid for high-value classic cars at the Bonhams’ Summer Sale.
On Saturday and Sunday, you can enjoy watching timed hill climb runs –a wide range of vehicles tackle the tough 1.16 mile course, which rises more than 300 feet.
If you’re a supercar fan, make sure you catch one of the Michelin Supercar Runs to see how some of the most expensive cars in the world perform on this testing course.
You can also watch motorbikes, vintage racers, touring cars and rally cars making their way to the summit and chat to the drivers in the Top Paddock once they have completed their runs.
Rallying fans will love watching some of their favourite drivers showing off their skills on the Forest Rally Stage, a 1.67 mile course designed by Hannu Mikkola; the 18-time WRC rally champion from Finland, whilst bike lovers can see some of world’s most talented riders in the world performing amazing tricks in the Goodwood Action Sports Arena (GAS).
Don’t forget to explore the vehicle display areas either. There are a number of dedicated display areas at Goodwood, including the Formula 1 Paddock, the Michelin Supercar Paddock and the Cathedral Paddock, and they are packed with priceless historic and contemporary vehicles you can look at in awe!
Will you be heading to Goodwood this year? Have you been before? What is it about Goodwood that we love so much?
3 Cheap Alternatives to Repainting Your Car
Dummy | 22:50 |
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Your car is like a member of your family, and, like the rest of your loved ones, you only want the best for your car when something breaks or your paint starts to peel. Why recycle your car or sent to the car removals if it’s not needed?
Some paint jobs, however, can cost in excess of a thousand dollars, even for the simplest of colors and the smallest of cars. For those who can't afford to have an expensive paint job done on their car, a few affordable yet quality alternatives are available.
Some paint jobs, however, can cost in excess of a thousand dollars, even for the simplest of colors and the smallest of cars. For those who can't afford to have an expensive paint job done on their car, a few affordable yet quality alternatives are available.
Do-It-Yourself: Head to the Hardware Store
That's right. The hardware store isn't just for homeowners or contractors anymore. Many people who want to breathe new life into their vehicles can head down to the hardware store, pick up a few items, put in some quality hours in the garage and have it all done for under $100.
To begin, purchase some sandpaper, painter's tape, foam brushes, paint trays and primer spray paint. Depending on the size of your car, you may need to purchase between four and six quarts of paint. A good thing to remember when purchasing paint is that you will likely need to apply at least six coats of paint to your car before the job is done.
Once you have purchased all the supplies you need, begin the prep work. Remove any and all pieces that come off easily. Doing this will help you avoid any unnecessary cleaning that may arise should you accidentally paint any headlights or other parts that should be left untouched.
Next, thoroughly wash every piece of material that you plan to paint. Make sure your work area is clean and free from any extra debris. Dirt and grime that is left on the vehicle will cause a number of problems during the painting process.
Next you must mix your paint. Make sure the paint is mixed to the point where it looks and feels similar to milk. This will ensure that every part of the car is covered evenly and that there is no extra runoff after you are finished.
It is also important that you plan how you want to paint your vehicle. Keep track of every part of the vehicle that you have already painted and remember to evenly spread the paint over each section of the car.
While a significant amount of elbow grease is required for a decent paint job, doing it yourself certainly beats heading to Maaco to spend $1,500.
Rustoleum
Rustoleum offers a wide range of products for individuals looking to paint their cars at home.
Head to your local hardware or automotive store and pick up four quarts of gloss Rustoleum, four cans of Rustoleum primer spray paint, sandpaper, acetone, painter's tape, a spray gun and air compressor.
After you have completed the prep work, removed all necessary parts and cleaned the outside of your vehicle, you're ready to begin painting. If you plan on using a darker color for your car, make sure to apply a dark colored primer first. If you plan on using a lighter color for your vehicle, apply a light colored primer first.
After you have completed the job, you'll want to let the car sit for a few days to let the paint cure. Similar to using regular paint, this will set you back between $100 and $200, depending on the size of your vehicle.
Because Rustoleum products are exclusively made for automobiles, the process is relatively easy. Similar to other do-it-yourself jobs, you must have proper knowledge of how to use the products and what to do if you make a mistake.
Good Old Fashion Spray Paint
A few cans of spray paint can go a long way for someone who knows what they're doing.
Before you try this method, however, make sure you have had some training on how to properly use spray paint and have a backup plan in case it doesn't work out.
First, buy as much spray paint as you need from your local hardware store. Remove any parts of the vehicle that you don't plan on spray painting and set them to the side.
Next, remove the hood completely and spray paint it by itself. This will make the process much easier and will keep the engine clean. After the entire car has been painted, let it sit for a couple of days to cure, wet sand the exterior of the vehicle and then apply a coat of polish.
While this is a very affordable alternative to spending thousands of dollars at a local collision and paint center, it is a very risky process. You may end up using too much paint and may have to repeat the process multiple times to get the look you want.
Author Bio
Rebecca Smith’s is a car enthusiast that stems from working on cars with her Dad when you was just a young un’. She is interested in finding creative ways to reuse car parts or modify cars that are at the end of their years. In her spare time she runs a Car Removalist Company.
Driving’s a great way to see Brazil and get to its stunning beaches and most scenic parts, but be aware of some of the dangers…
Driving hazards
Almost 40,000 people die on Brazil’s roads every year. Most of the deaths are causes by drunk or reckless drivers and the less than safe roads.
Drink driving has always been one of the biggest causes of accidents, but new Brazilian laws don’t allow you to drive even if you’ve only had the smallest amount of alcohol – you’re only allowed to drive with a maximum blood alcohol limit of 0.2g/l which takes into account trace amounts of the spirit found in mouthwashes.
That means that if you’ve only had a glass of wine or a single beer, you could be over the limit. And the more alcohol you’ve been drinking before driving, the bigger your fine will be if you’re caught by the police. This new law has helped bring down the number of alcohol-related deaths, but they are still tragically common. Try to avoid driving on public or national holidays when the locals will be out partying before getting into a car.
It’s not that Brazil’s road laws aren’t on par with those in Western Europe, it’s just that so many people ignore them. Drivers tend to respect speeding limits where they know there will be cameras. Brazilian motorists have been known to change lanes without warning, fail to stop at pedestrian crossings and swerve suddenly to overtake other cars. Notoriously, they don’t always keep a big enough space between cars either which often leads to collisions.
Later on at night, the motorways can become a playground for racers who blatantly flout speed rules and drive dangerously fast. The motorbike drivers are not much better than the car users, and often attempt daring manoeuvres to beat the traffic.
The situation is particularly bad in the more rural areas where the roads are less safe (often containing huge potholes), the nearest medical help may be far away and driving conditions become even more difficult as not all roads are well lit after dark. What’s more, drivers could encounter wild livestock roaming the roads or pedestrians who have learned to ignore traffic signs just like the drivers. Question marks have also been raised about the safety of cars manufactured in Brazil, with high mechanical failure rates posing even more risks. All this makes for a dangerous cocktail.
Car theft
Because the weather is so hot in Brazil and not all cars come with air conditioning, it’s easy for thieves to target vehicles which have stopped at a traffic light or for the driver to pop into a shop.
It’s always advisable to keep your doors locked and your windows closed at all times (especially when stopping at a red light) and remain vigilant. When you’re parked, keep your valuables hidden if you must leave them in your car.
Avoid getting lost and becoming an easy target by planning your route before you set off and having a detailed road map of Brazil in front of you. This is especially important if you’re exploring the more remote parts of the country where road signs can suddenly tail off, leaving you to fend for yourself.
If you’re in an accident
Brazilian road tax payments cover drivers for limited third party insurance, but take out your own private insurance policy as well so you’ll be covered for anything from auto glass replacement to more serious damage to the car.
If you get hit by another vehicle, try to get these details before they drive off:
If the accident is serious and you need to call for help urgently, have the federal highway police’s emergency number (191) and the ambulances and fire brigade’s number (193) handy in case your mind draws a blank.
What’s been your experience of driving in Brazil?
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Driving hazards
Almost 40,000 people die on Brazil’s roads every year. Most of the deaths are causes by drunk or reckless drivers and the less than safe roads.
Drink driving has always been one of the biggest causes of accidents, but new Brazilian laws don’t allow you to drive even if you’ve only had the smallest amount of alcohol – you’re only allowed to drive with a maximum blood alcohol limit of 0.2g/l which takes into account trace amounts of the spirit found in mouthwashes.
That means that if you’ve only had a glass of wine or a single beer, you could be over the limit. And the more alcohol you’ve been drinking before driving, the bigger your fine will be if you’re caught by the police. This new law has helped bring down the number of alcohol-related deaths, but they are still tragically common. Try to avoid driving on public or national holidays when the locals will be out partying before getting into a car.
It’s not that Brazil’s road laws aren’t on par with those in Western Europe, it’s just that so many people ignore them. Drivers tend to respect speeding limits where they know there will be cameras. Brazilian motorists have been known to change lanes without warning, fail to stop at pedestrian crossings and swerve suddenly to overtake other cars. Notoriously, they don’t always keep a big enough space between cars either which often leads to collisions.
Later on at night, the motorways can become a playground for racers who blatantly flout speed rules and drive dangerously fast. The motorbike drivers are not much better than the car users, and often attempt daring manoeuvres to beat the traffic.
The situation is particularly bad in the more rural areas where the roads are less safe (often containing huge potholes), the nearest medical help may be far away and driving conditions become even more difficult as not all roads are well lit after dark. What’s more, drivers could encounter wild livestock roaming the roads or pedestrians who have learned to ignore traffic signs just like the drivers. Question marks have also been raised about the safety of cars manufactured in Brazil, with high mechanical failure rates posing even more risks. All this makes for a dangerous cocktail.
Car theft
Because the weather is so hot in Brazil and not all cars come with air conditioning, it’s easy for thieves to target vehicles which have stopped at a traffic light or for the driver to pop into a shop.
It’s always advisable to keep your doors locked and your windows closed at all times (especially when stopping at a red light) and remain vigilant. When you’re parked, keep your valuables hidden if you must leave them in your car.
Avoid getting lost and becoming an easy target by planning your route before you set off and having a detailed road map of Brazil in front of you. This is especially important if you’re exploring the more remote parts of the country where road signs can suddenly tail off, leaving you to fend for yourself.
If you’re in an accident
Brazilian road tax payments cover drivers for limited third party insurance, but take out your own private insurance policy as well so you’ll be covered for anything from auto glass replacement to more serious damage to the car.
If you get hit by another vehicle, try to get these details before they drive off:
- The car’s registration number, make, model and colour
- The driver’s name, address, identity card number (if they’re a local) and telephone number
- The driver’s insurance details in case you want to make a claim
If the accident is serious and you need to call for help urgently, have the federal highway police’s emergency number (191) and the ambulances and fire brigade’s number (193) handy in case your mind draws a blank.
What’s been your experience of driving in Brazil?
Many of the car owners will get a
common question in their mind that “how do I maintain my car?”
and “how do I reduce the maintenance cost?”. Well the answer for
these questions will be simple by following a regular maintenance
plan. It is very essential to have a car maintenance plan as it will
help reducing the cost of maintenance and will improve the
reliability and safety of the car. It will also prove helpful to cut
down the running cost of the vehicle by enhancing the fuel
efficiency. So, what exactly that you need to do to prepare a perfect
maintenance plan? It is very simply, as you must first start by
reading the user manual of the vehicle. It is perhaps the best place
to start with. This is the place where you will be able to find the
car maker's maintenance schedules and recommendations that are
completely based on your driving habits and patterns. Reading the
manual will help you to obtain knowledge about changing engine oil,
about the level of pressure in the tyres, and about several other
things that helps to cut down the maintenance cost. These are the
basic things that you can follow to maintain your beloved car and to
improve its life.
If you are not interested in
maintaining your car on your own then you may have to find a reliable
car service center that is connected to your new car dealers. You
will also have to check whether it is a part of national chain or
independent service. One of the most important thing is that you need
to make sure whether the service center is equipped with certified
technicians or not. This will ensure you that your vehicle will get a
proper service at a reasonable price. While dealing with the
technicians, it is very important for you to maintain proper
communication with them and you need to be able to explain your
problem so as to avoid misunderstandings. Today, auto services go
high-tech, which indeed provide a better service and reduce the cost
of maintenance. It is important for you to find the reliable dealer
who is well equipped with high tech maintenance tools and kits. This
will also reduce the time and hence prove very economical.
There are lots of car care centers
present across your regions but you'll have to find the most reliable
service center. Many individuals face troubles with their car on the
day when they have planed an holiday. For this you need to check for
the condition of the car before the day of your are leaving to the
holiday destination. This will help reducing the risks and help you
to make perfect holiday plan. You must always check for the pressure
in the tyre so as to avoid punctures and flat tyres. It will be
helpful for you to obtain car care tips from the certified
technician, which will help you to avoid rushing towards service
centers for basic needs. One of the most important thing that every
car owner needs to remember is that they need to maintain the car's
speed levels under the manufacturer specified levels so as to enhance
the fuel efficiency. If these tips are followed regularly then there
is no doubt that your vehicle will last for a long time offering best
of performance.
This article is posted by Shweta Aggarwal who is guest author.