Think GREEN: Let’s Keep Our Environment Healthy With Our Vehicles!

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not"

- Dr. Seuss, "The Lorax"

What have you done to contribute to the betterment of the environment? Let's think of the things we do every day. Does it benefit our surroundings? Does it make us a better person? As we go on our daily lives, we unconsciously make decisions that leave an imprint on Mother Nature. Particularly, our car.

Car pollution remains one of the major causes of global warming. Cars and trucks produce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. It is estimated that about seventy-five percent of carbon monoxide emissions come from cars. In urban areas, it contributes to about 50 to 90 percent of air pollution. That's really A LOT to think of. So what can we do to curb the air pollution statistic and live on a better planet?

Make Your Research

When buying a new vehicle, make your research first. Get the know more about the car you're planning to buy. Do not just settle for the good looks but look more than that, look for the things that meet beyond your eyes like its "green" features.

Become a Smart Buyer!

After making your research, apart from considering the style, size, and cost of your new vehicle, consider also its gas mileage and other green features to avoid high greenhouse gasses emission. Trust us, it will even save you a hell lot of money!

Observe Proper Driving Etiquette

Now you have a new car, the next thing you should do is to observe your driving etiquette. Why? Your driving behavior contributes to your GHG or greenhouses gasses emissions. Belligerent driving increases fuel consumption by 40 percent and speeding increases gas up to 23 percent. Can you just imagine how much you'll save if you just tone down your temper a little bit? And ... it's safer! 

Know the Right Kind of Oil

We know how tempting it is to opt for the cheapest kind of oil when getting an oil change, but little do we know, the kind of oil you put inside your car greatly affects its performance and efficiency.

Switch to Renewable Fuels

Since we are now going green, why not give renewable fuels such as E85 and biodiesel a try? E85 contains 85 percent of ethanol and only 15 percent of gasoline, it is advisable for some vehicles. While for the Diesel vehicles, getting biodiesel is suitable for your vehicle. Biodiesel blends B5 which contains about 5 percent for biodiesel.

Practice Shifting Gears

Shifting gears also impacts your fuel consumption. As much as possible, try to keep your shifting smooth all the time.

Maintenance is Always-Always the Key!

Reduce your carbon dioxide footprint by regularly maintaining your vehicle's condition! Keeping your tires properly inflated alone already saves 4 percent of your fuel and fixing vital mechanical issues saves up to 40 percent! Now, that's a lot of saving!

Reuse: Save Money, Conserve the Earth!

When buying new parts for your vehicle, go for the remanufactured ones. Does it sound ironic? Well, remanufactured parts work perfectly just like the new ones. These parts are even less expensive and use less energy and raw materials are required to produce them.

Lastly, Make Your Car Recyclable

Don't just ditch out your car when it no longer works properly! Make money out of it by recycling its parts! Its spare parts can be sold to other car owners. Your old bumpers can be a new one for others. Backsplashes are ideal or kitchen and bathrooms while steel beams can be used in a new construction project. Turn your trash to a win-win situation!

"It's not about what it is. It's about what it can become" - The Lorax. In our small little ways applied in our daily lives, we can make a big difference. Conserve our planet! Think GREEN!

10 Steps To Fix Your Car's Fuel Pump

If your starter motor cranks but the engine won’t fire up, you could be looking into a couple of different car problems that are causing this issue. You don’t have to take your vehicle to a car repair shop right away. You can figure out what the problem is and even possibly fix it with the help of these step-by-step tips!

1. Check Your Fuel

Before you freak out and assume the worst, relax and check your fuel first. A lot of the time, the problem is the wrong fuel in your tank which is a mistake that happens every now and then at the gasoline station. If that’s not the case, you should check if your fuel gauge is functioning or if you still have fuel inside the tank too.

2. Make Sure You Have Spark

Find the fuel system fuse and take it out of its socket. It should be in a fuse box together with the fuel pump relay. Pull out a spark plug wire, and jam a screwdriver with an insulated grip where the spark plug attaches. Hold the other end of the screwdriver close to but not touching a grounded metal surface. Have an assistant or a companion crank the starter. An electrical spark will jump in the air gap between the ground and the screwdriver attached to the plug wire. If there is none, check the whole ignition system from the plugs, plug wires, ignition coil, and cam position sensor. If the vehicle is equipped with neutral safety and/or anti-theft systems, make sure they are deactivated.

3. Inspect Your Starter Motor

A broken starter is another common reason your car won’t start. A starter is an electrical motor that is connected to the battery. Its role is to set the engine in motion when you turn the ignition switch on. Once the engine starts and is in motion, the starter's job is complete. If the starter goes bad, the engine will not crank properly or may not crank at all when you turn the ignition key on. If you hear a clicking noise when you try to start your vehicle, a broken or weakened starter could be the reason why your car isn't starting.

4. Scan For Diagnostic Fault Codes

If what you’re dealing with here is anything related to fuel pump errors, ECU faults, cam/crank position sensor, or fuel pressure problems, your check engine light is probably glowing. That’s when you whip out your OBD scanner, as it’s a very accurate tool that can diagnose those problems for you.

OBD scanners that are high quality will provide you enough information that you need. It can give you live data from the ECU, fuel pressure readings, voltage supplied to the pump, coil-on-plug individual voltages and more that you’ll find valuable. What’s even great is that these data can be viewed from your laptop or smartphone screen which is very convenient.

5. Check For Compression

Not everyone has a scanner on hand, but you can still make certain inspections without that. If your ignition system is still working, open the valve cover and check the timing belt or chain. If it’s intact and everything looks okay, the crank should be turning and timing cylinder compressions as it should. You can then conclude here that the lack of fuel is the problem.

6. Check Your Fuel System

Do you always experience your car losing power when you try to accelerate? Or you’re having trouble starting your car altogether? Sounds like your fuel system is malfunctioning which is keeping your engine from drawing more fuel to accelerate. Fuel system may malfunction because of a clogged injector, leaking fuel line, or gummed-up filter or kaput fuel pump.

You should be able to hear the fuel pump in the tank humming and the fuel pump relay clicking when you turn the ignition. If you’re not hearing any of those, check the fuel system fuse which you removed earlier when checking for spark. You’ll know you’re looking at a fuel pump problem if you see an intact fuse and a clicking relay. Usually the pump and the tank can be accessed from under the car or under the rear passenger seats. So go under there and see if there are any corrosion in the electrical connectors. While you’re at it, might as well check for continuity and voltage supply to the pump using a multimeter.

7. Confirm If You Have Fuel Pressure

Make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves since you’ll be handling fuel at this point onward. It’s also best to collect spilled fuel in a sealed container. Tap a pressure gauge into the fuel supply hose close to the injectors before you turn the ignition and crank the starter. If the pressure rises to about 20-30 pounds per square inch (psi) then it’s all good. But if it doesn’t then it’s an indication of clogged fuel filter. You should then take it out and replace it with a new one.

8. Pull Out The Pump

If you want to bench test your fuel pump even further or probably thinking of replacing it, you can pull it out from the tank. After that, connect the electrical connectors to a power source to confirm pump operation. Just make sure you do this carefully because you can cause a spark and ignite gasoline fumes while doing this. Avoid that by working in a well-ventilated area and moving cautiously.

9. Replace The Pump

Since it’s relatively cheap to replace fuel pumps and it has no serviceable parts, it’s best if you just replace it. Just ensure that you’re purchasing an original equipment (OE) manufactured pump or you can also upgrade to an aftermarket one so long that the replacements you’re getting is compatible with your car. If you’re unsure of the fuel quality or if you find significant loose rust, drain out all the gasoline and clean the tank.

10. Reset Fault Codes

After reassembly, refill the tank with fresh fuel and start the car. With the scanner, you can erase the stored error codes to turn off the check engine light.

When Leasing Is A Better Choice Than Buying A Car

We think that the right financial decision when it comes to a car is obvious—purchase it. While that’s true most of the time, there are instances though that it’s better to just lease. What are those instances? Read more and find out!

Unstable Monthly Cash Flow

If you don’t have a fixed monthly income, it’d be difficult to finance a car because monthly payment is often higher when you purchase it. With leasing you’re basically just paying for the depreciation of the car during that year rather than the entire cost of the vehicle that’s why it’s cheaper.

Inadequate Savings, But Can Afford Monthly Payment

Sometimes, people have a fixed monthly income so they can afford monthly payment. However, you don’t have a lot of savings which will make it difficult to pay for the down payment and other initial fees. If you're concerned about the monthly costs, a lease eases the burden a bit. Generally, the monthly payment is considerably less than it would be for a car loan. Some people even opt for a more luxurious car than they otherwise could afford.

You Don’t Drive That Much

There are people who don’t drive every day because of reasons like their work is just walking distance, commuting is a faster route, or you and your friends prefer carpooling.  In this case where you just use a car occasionally, leasing is a better option than buying because what’s the point if you won’t be able to use it that much but you’ll pay for the entire cost anyway?

You’re Very Meticulous With Car Care

Those who always get their car bumped, scratched, or dented, just buy it because the wear and tear fees will cost way more. But if you treat a vehicle like a fragile glass, this won’t be an issue for you if you just lease.

You Only Drive For Business

For those whose job requires them to drive around a lot, leasing can be great. When you lease, a portion of the car’s depreciation and financing costs can be deducted on your taxes. Interest on loans to buy a car, however, isn’t deductible. That’s because the IRS allows you to deduct both the depreciation and the financing costs that are part of each monthly payment. If you’re leasing a luxury automobile, the amount you can write off may be limited.

You’re Only On A Vacation

Let’s say you’d be staying abroad or a remote location for just a couple of months, it won’t really be ideal to buy a car during your stay there, would it? So leasing it is. Even if you have the cash to instantly buy a car, it doesn’t mean you have to buy one right away. There are other costs like car registration, fuel, and monthly amortization that should be considered first, as well as other priorities that could enter while you’re in a long term commitment of owning a car. Buying a car impulsively can lead to regrets, especially when you’re not even going to be staying in that place for a long time to begin with.

You Hate Dealing With Car Repair

Yes, everyone knows that car repair is a part of owning a car. But that doesn’t mean everyone is really good at handling that part of vehicle ownership. It seems taking your ride to car servicing for maintenance or repair is simple because you’d just have to take it there and someone else would have to deal with it. However, the stress, money, and time that one has to spend on that are not always worth it for everyone. In this case, leasing is your new best friend because several dealerships offer the coverage on the maintenance which can be a huge deal for many. Many new cars offer a warranty that lasts at least three years. So when you take out a three-year lease, most of the repairs should be covered. Leasing arrangements largely eliminate the hazards of a significant unforeseen expense.

No Resale Worries

Are you the type of person who hates to haggle? If so, you probably hate the idea of selling your used car to a dealership or a private buyer. With a lease, you simply return the car. The only thing you have to worry about is paying any end-of-lease fees, including those for abnormal wear or additional mileage on the vehicle.

Buying a car is hardly a decision you can make on a whim, even when it’s not your first time buying it. So make sure to canvass from different dealers to see different price ranges and different cars available if you do. This way you can compare which dealer offers the best deal for you.

If ever you’re considering to opt for a used vehicle, don’t forget to get the full history of the car. Don’t fall for a pre-owned car just because “it still looks good and yet so cheap”. I tell you what; cars in good condition don’t come cheap even for a pre-owned one. Test everything! Ask the seller if the car crashed before, if there are any current liens, if it has been customized. Rule of thumb: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Or better yet, you may want to consider leasing for the time being until your situation becomes more secure enough to make a big purchase.

Fix Radiator Leak With These Simple Steps

As your car’s cooling system, radiators prevent engines from overheating and engine blocks from cracking with heat. So if you start noticing signs indicated below, make sure you take your vehicle to the car servicing shop right away to prevent the damage from getting worse and car repair costs starts pilling up.

There are different signs that will tell you if your radiator is starting to fail. One would be overheating. When dirt, bugs, or road grime gets stuck and accumulate in your radiator, it becomes harder for the air to flow through it. As a result, it’s harder to cool the engine especially when the vehicle is stopped and the radiator have to rely on just the fan to keep it cool which is why it overheats even when idle.

Another sign is sludge in the radiator. The coolant in your vehicle should be yellow or green or red normally. As the radiator goes bad, contaminants discolor the fluid making it a rusty or oil color. This turns into sludge and the fluid will not be able to cool the engine efficiently because it will not drain properly and remain in the radiator. This can be from a failing radiator for vehicles that contain a transmission cooler inside the radiator. The barrier between the coolant and transmission fluid fails and the fluids mix. If you or a mechanic notice sludge in your radiator, it will need to be replaced as it can cause extensive damage to the engine and transmission.

It could also be the frequent low level of coolant. If the level is below the minimum line, top it up to the maximum line and monitor on a daily basis. If you have to top up the coolant reservoir each time it is checked, this could indicate a leak. If it seems that you vehicle is always low on coolant then it’s reasonable to suspect that your radiator have gone bad or at least failing.

Now speaking of leak, the coolant, as the name suggests, helps the radiator to cool down.  However, when there’s a leak or crack in the radiator, you’ll see coolant leak on the floor underneath your car, since the coolant flows through the radiator. If the leak is more of the issue that you’ve been encountering lately, you can actually fix this problem easily. If you’ll use any stop-leak products, follow the instructions carefully and it could delay a permanent fix for a later time. 

Step 1: Drain The Old Coolant

Usually, not replacing the water coolant mixture is the reason you’re having leakage issue in your radiator. So the first thing that you must do if you’re trying to fix it is to drain the old coolant.

Step 2: Flush The Cooling System

Once you managed to drain all the old coolant, it’s now time to flush the cooling system. To do this, you need a lot of distilled water to rinse the radiator and the whole system. But make sure to activate the thermostat and the AC heater before you do so. Keep in mind to use only distilled water for this step. Tap water contains minerals that can cause sedimentation which is why it’s no good for rinsing the radiator and the whole system using it. You’ll know you’re done with this step if the water being drained have becomes clear and rust-free.

Step 3: Pour In The New Coolant Mixture

Before you pour in the new coolant mixture, make sure that the ratio of distilled water and the manufacturer’s recommended coolant type is right. Measure properly and then pour all of the mixture in the reservoir.

Step 4: Burp

After pouring in the coolant, you need to get rid of possible air trapped in the system. If air gets trapped, it will cause it to boil over and produce steam that is trapped within. Heat and pressure build up; cooling efficiency goes down. Sustained overheating will melt the head gasket, leading to an expensive engine teardown and rebuild.

To do this, you just have to park at a slight incline, or jack up the front with the engine higher than the rest of the vehicle while filling up the radiator.

Step 5: Add Your Stop-Leak Product Of Your Choice

When you’re done burping it, time for the last step which is to add in your choice of stop-leak product. Run the engine up to operating temperature, and check the previous leaking location for oozing. Observe for a few days.

Parts Of Your 4x4 That You Need To Inspect Once You’re Back From Off-Roading

Driving to and from work is one thing, but if you’re a frequent weekend traveler that’s a whole different thing. When it comes to your everyday route, the road is a lot more stable which doesn’t cause as much impact to your vehicle. But as you know, off the beaten paths aren’t like that. When we say rough, it can really get rough. This means your car is being put through intense impact and a lot worse damages than any normal drive would have.

Therefore, it’s important that your 4x4 is being checked every after trip to see if there are any damages and to get it fixed as soon as possible. Because car issues caused by off-roading can be serious and is not good to continue driving it until fixed.

Breaks

When going on an off-roading, the rubber or steel lines where the brake fluid passes through could get damaged and lead to a leak. Although they’re normally tucked away from harm’s way, all the trail bashing can snag on rocks or brush all the retaining clips or tie-downs that keep it in place. The thing is, this damage could only lead to a slow leak which is why you need to check your brake lines as soon as you get home. Otherwise the slow leak will give you a false sense of security and may get you in trouble at the most inopportune time.

Engine Compartment

In the engine compartment, check for leaks from the power-steering pump and hoses (if your vehicle’s power steering is a hydraulic system). Look for slow leaks, too, in the cooling system—undetected, they may cause a catastrophic engine failure due to overheating.

If you have not installed a wading kit, it’s always best to inspect your engine and transmission oil for contaminants. If you’ve just done some really serious water crossing or if you’ve been driving through fine sand, have the differential axle lubricated as soon as you can to avoid bearing failure. Drain and replace fluids as soon as possible.

Electrical Wirings

If your 4x4 is fairly new, this may not be as much of a concern. Although, it wouldn’t hurt to play it safe and still check anyways. But for older cars that have been through a lot of off-roading, you really need to check electrical wiring regularly to see if their insulation coating has not been rubbing on steel body parts. Why? Because when that happens and electrical fire can break out which will not only cost you your vehicle but also could hold your next trip back.

Tires

Since off-roading is a lot rougher than your usual daily drive, the tires take in a lot of impact. So always check the sidewalls for possible lumps right away. If it’s there, then your carcass is already broken and will probably bursts in just a matter of time if you continue to drive it in that condition.

Since this isn’t your usual daily commute where I’m assuming you’re driving on concrete, you should invest in mud tires as well. You’ll be surprised how correct tires for off-roading can actually make the experience a whole lot better in terms of driving and longevity of the tires. Just imagine how much bruise, impact and cuts your regular tires will have to take which can prematurely damage the tires beyond repair. Buying new tires all the time can cost a lot compared to purchasing mud tires for your road trips. These mud tires are designed to improve clearance of both sand, dirt, and mud, for ultimate performance, no matter the conditions. Plus, the formula is made to deliver traction, specifically for off-road driving.

Unusual Vibration

Frequent off-roading can cause a lot of different damages to your car. It can cause broken engine or transmission supports, misaligned wheels (especially on vehicles with independent front suspension setups), damaged propeller shafts, or unbalanced tires due to balancing weights getting knocked off the wheels. One tell-tale sign of those damages is unusual vibrations. So if you noticed that after you’ve come back from your trip then make sure you take your car to your trusted car repair shop. This will keep any issues from going unattended and causing even bigger damages. Even mud buildup inside the wheels will definitely get your wheels and tires unbalanced, too, and cause some mild to serious wobbling when you’re back on the road. So make sure you check and get the problem taken care of while it’s still simple like that.

Rubber Components

Especially on high-mileage vehicles, inspect the rubber components used to insulate the undercarriage components to ensure there is no metal-to-metal rubbing.

Yes, all the mentioned potential problems are worrying. However, a 4x4 is still designed for such rough conditions so it would be pointless to try and baby your car too much or avoid off-roading all together. Sure, scratches and dents are heart breaking for any car owner but that’s given and the bare minimum damage a 4x4 gets when off-roading. No matter how careful you drive, you can only minimize them at best but not entirely avoid them.

If you really can’t stomach those risks then maybe it’s time to consider if off-roading is for you or you should look for a different hobby. Do understand that a lot of people subject their four-wheel-drive vehicles to this kind of use, not abuse, because it’s part of their job in fields like mining, surveying, and so on. If you do have to use your vehicle in difficult conditions and are concerned about the warranty, read your owner’s manual and understand the limitations of your vehicle’s warranty.

7 Things That Trigger Road Rage Among Drivers

Owning a vehicle and being able to drive yourself anywhere you need to be is no doubt convenient for anyone. However, it’s also no secret that being on the road on a regular basis can pose a lot of stressors that leads to road rage sometimes. This is why aside from ensuring that your car is reliable and in good all-around condition, you should also be aware of safe and defensive driving as well as proper disposition and state if mind before going behind the wheel.

To be more prepared, dig in and learn about the factors that upsets anyone’s’ equilibrium on the road

1. Poor Road Design

When it comes to road rage triggers, you’re probably already thinking of driving skills and drivers themselves. But before any of that affects you, the road design, depending on your location, alone can already make your blood boil. Not being familiar with the road can also aggravate that. A road can go from four lanes to just two, becoming chaotic when everyone starts jostling for position, while lane restrictions can cause traffic to pile up at your exit. And then there’s the hidden or unclear signs or stoplight that create even more chaos that will give even the most calm person road rage.

2. Hunger

I think we can all agree that being hungry alone can put anyone in a bad mood. Now combine imagine that while driving. You would even notice how you get ticked off by the smallest thing when hungry right? Well that’s because when your stomach is empty, your body releases cortisol and other hormones that makes you feel irritable and aggressive. So it’s really not a good idea to go on the road on an empty stomach. Doing so can not only be a bit dangerous since being hungry can make you feel light headed too which is not good when driving, but it may also make you snap at anyone for the tiniest mistake or delay.

It’s always good to have snacks and drinks on hand in case you feel hungry while driving. If you don’t have them and your stomach is already growling, don’t try to push through it. Stop by the next gas station or rest stops you can find and grab something to eat. This should help calm you and your stomach down plus you get to take a break from the stress of traffic even for a little while.

3. Your Car Condition

Driving an old beat-up car can be really irritating. A dirty and weak air conditioner can make you sweat a bucket especially when stuck in heavy traffic. A dirty interior can make you sick, a dark or peeling tint can obscure visibility on the road and poor mechanical condition can make you feel like you’re fighting with your own can when it’s supposed to make commuting easier for you.

Sure those are some of the worst car conditions that can no doubt test your patience. But even noisy and old tires can be annoying. If you don’t drive much these things may not bother you, but an everyday drive with these conditions can push anyone at their wits end. So, if your job or day to day living requires you to drive a lot, it pays to maintain a clean vehicle that is also in good running condition. Be sure to take your car to the car repair shop when it needs it as well as for its regular maintenance.

4. Being Late

You’ve probably heard this before but it bears repeating. Leaving even 10 minutes early than planned could save you from the rush hour. Aside from that, it may help you arrive at work early or at least on time (if you’re usually late due to traffic) which then saves you the stress over being stuck in traffic and being late in the first place. This then makes your commute so much more stress-free because you’re not worried throughout the ride. Plus if you know that you can still make it to work on time, the irritation at being delayed by other motorists is much less.

5. Erratic Driving

Driving mistakes happens even to the best of us. While that’s true, it shouldn't be an excuse for you to be too complacent either, especially if you’re just starting out on driving. Know that everything you do while on the road can affect other motorists. Like mentioned, driving on its own is already stressful, add speeding, distracted driving, tailgating, not knowing how to properly drive on expressways and even something seemingly as simple as taking too long to move when traffic starts moving can irritate other motorists and heighten the tension on the road. Be mindful of your driving. Keep it smooth, and stick to one lane.

6. The Act Of Driving Itself

Daily driving commute can really sap the energy out of you. Even if you’re fairly close to everything, it doesn’t ensure that your drive will be smooth sailing every day because the road always presents a lot of unexpected events that can test anyone’s patience. There are drunk drivers, road rage, traffic, sudden accidents or road work that can all stall you on the road when you’re actually trying to get somewhere early. If you don't want to feel like you’re going to explode every time you’re driving, you need to learn how to prepare for such things and accept things that are out of your control. Driving can be stressful but it’s also a huge convenience in a lot of ways, so try to see the good in that and you’d realize that it’s not all that bad.

7. Being Too Assertive

It’s obvious that being a jerk causes road rage. But playing the white knight and actively fighting back can also be counterproductive. Blocking an aggressive driver or blaring your horn at them in irritation can increase their hostility, causing them to drive even worse. Aggression and counter-aggression can and will eventually lead to a fight. Know when it’s safe to assert your rights and when you need to back down.

Calm driving doesn’t just help prevent road rage, it also helps keep your car in good shape. Smooth, calm driving is gentle on the engine, the brakes, and the tires. It ensures you've got enough grip and traction in reserve for any emergency that might arise—which definitely boosts confidence and peace of mind on the road. Having reliable and trusted tires like Bridgestone helps contribute to that peace of mind, keeping you centered in even the worst traffic situations.

4 Online Car Selling Scams That You Should Watch Out For

Are you looking to sell your car at some point in the future? Then you’ll want to keep up with routine service and maintenance so that it continues to run in optimal condition. Most buyers will also prefer to purchase a car that they know has been well looked after. Even if people are buying a second hand car, they would still want one that is in good running condition, looks good, offers decent gas mileage, and suits the passenger and cargo space requirements them and their family. Just because they’re opting for a less pricey vehicle doesn’t mean they should settle for any less than those criteria.

On the other side, while looking after your car’s condition it’s also important that you look out for scams if you decide to sell your vehicle online. While honest buyers are still there, sadly those who like to take advantage of unsuspecting sellers exist too. So it pays to be aware of how they do their ‘business’ so you can save yourself at the very early sign.

1. The ‘I Don’t Need To See It’ Scam

If you think this doesn’t happen, well think again. Scammers can make up a lot of pretty convincing excuses to make you believe that they don’t need to see you vehicle in person before buying, but don’t fall for any of them.

Think about it, any sane and serious buyer would want to check the car before shelling out the cash. First, a car isn’t exactly a cheap purchase even if it’s a used one. Second, we all know that the older the car the more likely it comes with issues. And third, it’s even common practice for people to bring a mechanic friend to inspect the car thoroughly before buying it. So who would be in his right mind to blindly pay for a used car unless he has other motive to do so?

A buyer may get into an accident or damage the car on purpose, and then claim that it was already damaged when they bought it. They may then try to make you pay for something that wasn’t your fault.

So to save yourself from this kind of scam, it would be best to be very transparent and accurate when describing your car in your advert online. It also helps to weed out buyer like this, if you ask them to sign a “sold as seen” receipt before a sale is agreed.

2. The ‘I’m Currently Abroad By A Can Pay Online’ Scam

This one may not smell fishy to you, you’re transacting online after all. However, you should know that there are a lot of ways to swindle you through online payment methods like PayPal. Buyers may try to claim things like working for a popular company and asking you legitimate questions about your car and its condition, to really make you trust them.

But then their true colors will show when it’s time to pay. They may send you a fake receipt masked as a genuine email from the online payment company when in fact they didn’t send a single cent. The scammer will then ask you to ship the car or to organize a freight company to pick up the vehicle for them.

Another example of this scamming method would be the buyer saying their payment is being held by the online payment service provider until you ship the car. This actually happens a lot more than you realize you want to really be vigilant with the people you transact with and easily accepting email receipts. What you should check is your bank account, if no money has reached it, then don’t ship you vehicle anywhere.  

3. The ‘Oops, I Think I Overpaid You. Can You Refund Me The Extra?’ Scam

I guess the most common scam here is those who can’t meet and pay in person, so be very careful when dealing with them. If it’s at all possible, skip those buyers altogether especially if there are others who are willing to transact face to face.

This type of scamming happens with the fraudster sending you a check, paying via bank transfer or sending you money online but then says he overpaid you by mistake. Of course the person will then ask you to pay them back the extra.

Yes, honest mistakes like overpaying happens but very rarely. People are hardly ever that careless when it comes to paying for something. But in fact the check is forged, the bank transfer hasn’t happened at all or the payment receipt you’ve received to your email is fake.

If you’re already in this situation, don’t hastily send the money right away. You should at least wait until the check clears, the bank transfer reaches your account or log in to the payment website.

4. The ‘This Car Is Not Worth The Price. Can You Knock Off A Few Dollars?’ Scam

As mentioned above, it is common practice for buyers to bring a mechanic to inspect the car before purchasing it. While that mainly happens for a buyer to feel secure that he’s not being scammed by the seller, this can also be used to scam people.

How? Well, as you may already imagine, the buyer shows up with an “expert” to check the car and then declares that your car isn’t worth your asking price because it still needs a lot of fixing or that the price for the car model that you’re selling have dropped in the market. If they’re good, they can really make you think twice about your asking price. When they manage to fool you they’ll put the car back on the market and sell it for an even higher price than they paid you.

Don’t let yourself fall for this trick, what you can do is get your car inspected beforehand. Even better if you go to a popular car servicing shop for the inspection that gives a certificate of inspection instead of just going to a random mechanic. This way you can stand your ground and stick with your original asking price. Check for any issues and make sure you know the true value of your vehicle and how much other drivers are selling that same model for.

Things You Should Do In Case Of A Car Accident

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You always think it’ll never happen to you until it does. Car accidents can be disorienting and stressful. It’s one of those things you want to get out of immediately. Having said those, it’s better to know how to deal with accidents in case it happens to you than to be completely clueless. 

Pull Over To The Safe Side Of The Road

Do not attempt to continue driving even if it seems like your car can still go. Look for the nearest emergency bays or expressway’s shoulder lane where you can safely stop and get out. If you can, don’t forget to put an early warning device for the safety of other motorists as soon as you pull over.

Stop Your Car And Get Out

When a road accident happens, people often panic or become disoriented to act accordingly. But the best way to pull through is by staying calm and keeping your presence of mind. After that, turn your blinkers, get out of the car. If you’re able to move, see if there are other people involved in the crash. If there are, call your areas’ emergency hotline immediately. There are a lot of cases where people suffers from major injuries due to car accidents that weren't attended right away because it seemed minor during the crash.

Call Your Insurance Company Right Away

If you wait to call your insurance company, there's a possibility that you may not get the full amount of claim that was due. So, assuming that neither you nor the other party seem to be injured, you should call your insurance company before you call the police.

This will allow insurance adjusters to see the damage, get statements, and also ensure that the accident wasn't a case of fraud. The more immediate that call is, the better the chances are of a quick reimbursement. Talk to your insurer about what to do next. This also would allow you to find out how to handle a car accident in order to get the most reimbursement possible.

Call The Police

Don’t assume that there will be no need for authorities when an accident happens, no matter how small it may be. Calling the police is necessary because they file the report of the incident for you, which may help you with insurance claims and the car repair expenses reimbursement. Just remember to list the names and badge numbers of the attending officers.

Don’t Leave The Accident Site

Who wants to hang around stressful conditions, right? However, you have to remember to wait for the authorities to clear your departure, because they will need information from you. Otherwise you may have to face serious criminal repercussions, especially if there are injured people involved.

Contact A Lawyer

In case anyone involved in the accident got injured or had major damage in their vehicles, seeking legal advice from a professional is always recommended. This way you’ll have someone represent you and deal with the legal consequences, whether you’re the one at fault or not.

Photograph Possible Evidences In The Scene

Nowadays, testimonies from the people in the accident involved as well as the possible witnesses aren’t enough to stand in court. You’ll be able to make your case stronger if you have solid proofs like pictures and videos. Aside from that, it will be easier for you to claim compensation from your insurance company when you’re armed with evidence rather than just statements.

Exchange Information

You need full names, driver’s license and license plate numbers, contact information (phone number, address, and insurance information) of the other driver or passengers involved. The more information you have, the easier it will be for you to deal with the aftermath of the accident whether or not a legal case and insurance claims happens. Just imagine when you get your car repaired and you have no way to contact the driver who owes it to you. You’d end up shelling out for all the expenses then.

File An Insurance Claim

Once the insurance group has gotten the call and you’ve been sent home, time to file an insurance claim. Now, you’ll be tested if you really can handle a car accident well. After you file a claim, you will have to find a way to navigate your daily life and work as your vehicle gets repaired or replaced. It's worth noting that some car insurance companies will pay extra money for clients to use taxis or rent a car while the claim is filed. You might want to check to see if you have that rider.

Documentation And Pursuing Your Claims The Right Way Is Vital

Accidents happen, but that doesn't mean you need to shoulder all the financial burden yourself. That's why you need to learn how to handle a car accident; it's about protecting yourself and your bank account. By keeping a level head, documenting everything, and actually following up with people, you'll be able to walk away relatively unscathed.

Driving doesn’t seem like a life-threatening activity because you’re essentially just going from one place to another. But the thing is that, car accidents ranked as the 9th leading cause of death worldwide according to Association for Safe International Road Travel, so you shouldn’t take driving too lightly. This is why keeping a well maintained car, learning how to drive defensively and knowing how to handle a car accident when it happens are crucial once you decide to own and drive a car.

Tips When It Comes To Repairing Hybrid Cars

If more people are just more responsible with the choices they make that affect the environment, we’d all be living a less polluted planet. Who doesn’t want to leave a cleaner and fresher environment for their sons, daughters, and grandchildren in the future?

In relation to that, even the vehicle industry have started taking initiative when it comes to environmental preservation. Considering that air pollution is one of the biggest problems nowadays when it comes to ecological issues, it’s a good thing hybrid cars have been invented. As the technology and supporting infrastructure improves, they are gaining popularity among vehicle owners who are both environmentally conscious and budget-minded.

The thing is, with advances in hybrid car technologies comes car issues as well. For those who own a hybrid car, this is an all too relatable dilemma which you’d probably want to find a solution for. While you’d definitely want to be aware about such things too if you’re looking into purchasing one.

Most Common Maintenance Issues With Hybrid Cars

· Manufacturer Recalls

Now don’t get this wrong, yes, this happens to any vehicle, it’s just that hybrid ones are a lot more prone to it since they have newer technology. That means, unlike non-hybrid cars, these technologies have yet to be tested and proven over the years of use. Recalls may be related to something as simple as improving gas mileage, or they may be important for safety reasons.

· Battery Problems

Yes, traditional car batteries get problems too but hybrid vehicles one can be a bit more complex. Since hybrid cars relies heavily on its battery to reduce gasoline usage and improve gas mileage, it is made heavier which forces the engine to work harder too. Aside from that it also contains materials that have been known to blow up upon impact, potentially putting the driver and passengers at risk. For those who live in places with extreme weather, you’d even notice that a hybrid car’s battery doesn’t perform as well.

· Catalytic Converter Issues

Unfortunately, hybrid vehicles are more apt to have catalytic converter failure than traditional gas-powered vehicles. More frequent replacement or repair means more maintenance expense. Since this type of auto repair requires a greater level of knowledge and skill, it typically must be done by a qualified auto repair technician.

· Oxygen Sensor Failure

Hybrid cars have exhaust and emission systems too. They also have oxygen sensors which are prone to malfunctioning or complete failure. These then results to impaired fuel efficiency and increased fuel costs which obviously defeats the purpose of opting for a hybrid car in the first place. Since a hybrid’s emission and exhaust system is very complex, it can be more difficult to work on, necessitating the use of trusted auto repair shop instead of doing the repair yourself.

While these things can be troublesome, this doesn’t mean hybrid cars are no good. Both traditional cars and hybrid ones have advantages and disadvantages of their own, choosing which one to go for solely depends on your needs as well as preference. If you’re planning to buy a car, just make sure that you do your research may it be hybrid or not. Know what your options are ahead of time and see what works best for your situation. Being a knowledgeable consumer allows you to make an informed decision that will benefit you the most.

But know that, no matter which one you pick, you can’t get away with little to no maintenance at all. So that’s something to keep in mind when looking into your finances. Can you afford a car along with all the other expenses that comes with it? And, even though hybrid cars often come with a higher initial price tag, they offer environmental benefits and savings in terms of fuel economy. The choice is ultimately yours.

Air pollution is a serious issue all of us are facing today. If you can, why not commute or carpool with friends or co-workers, it saves you gas and lessens carbon footprint. But if you must use your car, just make sure it is being well maintained, take it to car servicing on suggested manufacturer’s schedule. This prolongs your car’s lifespan. If more people do this that means less broken cars will be added to the already burgeoning dumpsites.

Dealer Vs Independent Auto Repair Shop: Who Should You Trust Your Car To?

Whether it’s your first time owning a car or have had one for a long time, this question can still be tricky to answer. Have you struggled figuring this out or you still don’t really know? Where do you think would be the best place to take your car, with or without a warranty? Why should you even consider an independent repair shop even when you still have warranty?

It sure can be difficult to decide but to help you along, here are the main concerns why people are hesitant about independent auto repair shops compared to a dealer.

Concerns About Independent Auto Repair Shops

1. The Mechanics Not Being Familiar With The Vehicle
The biggest concern we hear from customers is that they are worried that an independent repair shop has mechanics who won’t know their vehicle as well as the mechanics at the dealership. Because of the rapid changes in automotive technology, it IS crucial that the independent facility you choose is qualified to work on your car.

2. If They’re Accredited By The Automobile Association
An auto car repair won’t be accredited by such association if they’re not qualified for the services that they’re offering. So if you know one with this accreditation, it’s a good sign your car will be in good hands. But if you’re still looking for one, you should always talk to the person in charge where you can inquire about this.

3. The Shop May Not Have All The Proper Tools
How will a car servicing shop be able to work on any car if they don’t have the necessary and appropriate tools to fix a car? Screws and wrench are basic, but they should also be equipped with specific tools for jobs like fixing an irregular brake. 

4. Having Experience And Expertise With Wide Range Of Car Problems
Flat tires won’t be the only problem you’ll have with your car, especially if your vehicle has been with you for quite some time. So, they should be able to fix things from fluid pipes, the carburetor and the clutch oil, to the external repairs including the windshields, window locks and the car bonnet.

5. Warranty
Many dealerships will pressure owners to get the repairs done where the vehicle was purchased so that you don’t lose the warranty. This is not always the case and it varies by situation. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, has stated that it’s illegal for a dealer to deny your warranty coverage simply because you had routine car maintenance or repairs performed by someone else. Preventative maintenance often includes services like oil changes, tire rotations, belt replacement, fluid checks and flushes, new brake pads, and inspections. Maintenance schedules vary by vehicle make, model and year; the best source of information about routine scheduled maintenance is your owner’s manual, of course. Without a warranty, you are free to choose a shop that you trust without any worries at all.

Why An Independent Repair Shop May Be A Good Idea

You May Avoid Paying For Any Overhead Costs
A local independent repair shop can be your best bet when you’re paying for repairs. There tend to be more overhead costs at a dealership (larger facilities, higher salaries for technicians and office personnel, better amenities, etc.) which means higher costs for services.

You Can Be Flexible When It Comes To Car Parts
A dealership may only use OEM parts, where a local shop could offer rebuilt, refurbished or generic parts to keep costs down.

They’re Not Locked Into Following Specific Manufacturer Guidelines
With local shops, mechanics may have a bit more wiggle room when it comes to repairs. This then may allow them to solve issues in fewer steps, fewer labor hours or use them differently, or offer certain auto repair financing plans to you.

You might also want to think twice about DIY-ing repairs. For those who are having trouble deciding where to go, doing the repairs yourself may have come to mind. But DIY-ing will consume a lot of your time, whether or not you are skilled in automobile repairs. But if you haven’t done this before, there is a big chance this task will not only take you days to finish on your own considering you’ll have to invest on the tools as well as research on proper execution, but there’s also a fair chance you might screw it up and do it all over again. But if you let an expert do this job, you’re not only sure it will be done perfectly and quickly but you won’t have to put your daily routine and tasks on hold. 

Don’t fall for scare tactics or false information when you’re choosing who will do your auto repairs. Of course you want someone trained and honest to work on one of your biggest investments – your vehicle. But a lot of independent auto technicians are trained and certified to work on a variety of vehicles too. They can offer plenty of vehicle services to match your needs and have fair prices with their own warranty on the work we do as well. You just have to be keen on finding them and know the right questions to ask when you’re looking around for it.

Tips To Drive As Safe As Possible At Night

Driving in itself can already be a challenging activity. Do that during the night and it becomes even more difficult and risky. Driving at night is inevitable. But if you know the right thing to do, you can live through its hazards and enjoy your quiet evening ride. Again, this is another issue of visibility but even more so when you’re out at night when it is already dark. Here are some tips that will help you drive better at night and hopefully keep you out of harm’s way.

Be Alert All The Time

Since the surrounding is already tricky because of the darkness, you can’t afford to be driving with only half of your attention. Alertness and reaction time are vital when cruising around town in your vehicle, especially when visibility is already not at its best. If the cool breeze keeps you from falling asleep then roll down the windows or listen to rock songs if that works for you. Just do whatever it is that helps you stay alert.

Take Regular Breaks

It's always advisable to take regular breaks when driving long distances, but this is even more vital when you're driving overnight. Stop for a rest at least every two hours and drink strong coffee to keep yourself alert.

Check Headlight Adjustment

They’re literally and figuratively your only light, so if you know you’re going to be driving at night time you better make sure that they’re not only working properly but that they’re also placed properly. Otherwise, what's the use of having very bright headlights if they’re not illuminating the road well ahead of your car?

Check Your Headlights Regularly

You’d be surprised to know that a lot of people only find out that their headlights aren’t working once they need it. Don’t be that person and risk getting caught in an accident just because of your headlights. It’ll only take about 5 minutes to check it. Turn them on when you’re parked in a dark place, get out and see for yourself if they’re bright or not. If they’re not, get it fixed right away. Take your car to care repair shop as soon as you see a problem with your headlight, don’t put it off any further especially if you always drive at night.

Deer Never Travel Alone

If you’re travelling in the countryside, one of the things that you should prepare yourself is animals crossing the road. So always watch out for them and keep in mind that, most often than not, you’ll encounter a number of them.

Dim Interior Lights

Driving at night requires lights right? Yes, but not much when it comes to your interior lights because that just makes it harder for you to see the road. Dim your lights to a comfortable level, not too bright or too dark. 

Avoid The Cell Phone

We already know this and yet a lot of people are still guilty of distracted driving because of gadgets. If you absolutely have to take or make a call/text message, stop at the side of the road. Don’t do it while driving. Just don’t. Seriously, a text or call is not worth risking your life on the road.

Focus On The Right Side

Headlights from oncoming cars can be blinding. Not only because they can be too bright but also because there are people that may have positioned their car’s headlight too high, which can really affect your vision. To avoid this, focus on the right side of the road   so that you’re looking at the road ahead of you instead of other car’s lights.

Split Up

You know that you should maintain distance from the car in front of you when driving right? It’s highly suggested that the distance should at least be one car length. But if it’s during the night, it would be better to double that just to be safe since you’re visibility is already reduced.

Clean Your Windshield

Do not underestimate how much a clean and clear windshield can either help you see or not while driving. Don’t just rely on your wipers to clear your view for you either. But then again it’s still important that your wipers are always in good condition; change the rubbers twice a year. If you’ve noticed that it doesn’t work as it should, seek car repair immediately. Always clean it off inside and out especially when you drove while raining as the moist can blur your view and if it’s really dusty.

Don’t Drink

Do you know how many individuals have been in an accident because of driving under the influence of alcohol? Every two minutes, a person is injured in a drunken driving crash according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s just DUI, but even one drink can make you feel sleepy which definitely puts your safety on the road in jeopardy.

The thing about driving a car on the road is that no matter how precautions you are and no matter how skilled you are as a driver, there are some situations that you just can’t help and may put you at risk of accident.  One of them is driving at night, but hopefully you learn how to maneuver as safe as possible so that you wouldn’t be held back by it, resort to taking public transportation, or be scared every time you’re driving under such conditions.