by: Steve Gillman
Want to learn something new about auto insurance? Something that can save you a lot of money or get a claim paid? Forget the usual tips. Check out these secrets.
1. Demand the legal policy minimums if you have no assets. Do you really need a lot of liability coverage if you have no money in the bank? Insurance companies will tell you that you do because you can be sued regardless. It's possible. I can't promise you that you won't be sued and end up paying a chunk of your paycheck to someone for life.
However, honest insurance salesmen admit that people without assets are rarely sued. Lawyers work on a commission in these cases, and won't take a case where there is no money to be collected. In fact, having a bigger liability policy can be an invitation to sue, and it won't protect you from personal liability, because they always sue for more than the policy limit anyhow.
If you have no assets to protect, why buy auto insurance? Because it is a legal requirement. In that case why not just buy the minimum coverage required? But be careful. My own insurance guy lied for years, claiming I had just that, when in fact I was paying for "company-recommended minimums." You might have to push the point, and may even have to sign something saying you understand how risky it is to be "under-insured."
2. Claim diminished value. If you have a collision policy, your insurance company will pay for the repairs after an accident. However, is the financial damage really fixed? Not necessarily. A car that has been in an accident and had the body fixed may look the same, but it won't sell for the same price. Would you pay the same for a car that has been in an accident?
A car that has been in an accident might be worth $2,000 less than a similar un-damaged car. This is called "diminished value," and may be covered by your policy. However, diminished value is often not paid unless you push the point. Get a car dealer to do an estimate of the diminished value if necessary, and present this to the insurance company. You pay for insurance to have your losses covered, and they aren't covered if you aren't paid for this.
3. Lower your premiums by removing kids from the policy. You may have already discovered that you pay a lot for insurance as long as you have driving-age children at home. Even if they are off at school, if their legal residence is your house, you pay more.
However, there is a little-known exception to this rule. If your children are at a college that's more than 100 miles away, you can have them taken off the insurance policy. This can dramatically reduce your premiums. The catch? They are excluded drivers, so you can't let them drive the car when they come home to visit.
These are just a few examples of the auto insurance secrets that insurance companies probably don't want you to know.
Monday, June 4, 2007
ENGINE COOLING FANS
by: Darren Dunners
The Engine cooling fans are mechanical devices that move the hot air and other gases, which can be harmful with regards to the safety of the engine unit of a vehicle. These gases and hot air can be discomforting for the people sitting inside the vehicle. Since this articles needs to discuss the Engine cooling fans, these fans can be categorized in three ways. Fans deliver large amounts of air or gas at low pressure, blowers have high rates of delivery at medium pressure, and compressors deliver at high pressure. These Electric cooling fans have an attached motor that moves blades of the fans which drives away the hot air around the radiator. Like the thermostat, the cooling fan has to be controlled so that it allows the engine to maintain a constant temperature.
Almost all the front-wheel driven cars and vehicles have the electric cooling fans installed in them as their engine is usually mounted transversely, meaning the output of the engine points toward the side of the car. The fans are controlled either with a thermostatic switch or by the engine computer, and they turn on when the temperature of the coolant goes above a set point. They turn back off when the temperature drops below that point. However, these types of automatic engine cooling fans are used in vehicles that are more sophisticated.
Cars that are rear wheel driven have engines that are usually longitudinally placed and have these engine-driven cooling fans. These fans have a switch that is controlled with the surrounding temperature and is called as a thermostatically controlled viscous clutch. This clutch is positioned at the hub of the fan, in the airflow coming through the radiator. This special viscous clutch is much like the viscous coupling sometimes found in all-wheel drive cars. These types of latest engine cooling fans can be retrieved by placing special orders.
In some perfectly designed engine cooling fans, the designers have applied a semi-analytic and semi empirical formula which is specifically developed for predicting noise radiation from engine cooling fan assemblies. These engine cooling fans significantly reduce the noise that is caused by the engine.
The Engine cooling fans are mechanical devices that move the hot air and other gases, which can be harmful with regards to the safety of the engine unit of a vehicle. These gases and hot air can be discomforting for the people sitting inside the vehicle. Since this articles needs to discuss the Engine cooling fans, these fans can be categorized in three ways. Fans deliver large amounts of air or gas at low pressure, blowers have high rates of delivery at medium pressure, and compressors deliver at high pressure. These Electric cooling fans have an attached motor that moves blades of the fans which drives away the hot air around the radiator. Like the thermostat, the cooling fan has to be controlled so that it allows the engine to maintain a constant temperature.
Almost all the front-wheel driven cars and vehicles have the electric cooling fans installed in them as their engine is usually mounted transversely, meaning the output of the engine points toward the side of the car. The fans are controlled either with a thermostatic switch or by the engine computer, and they turn on when the temperature of the coolant goes above a set point. They turn back off when the temperature drops below that point. However, these types of automatic engine cooling fans are used in vehicles that are more sophisticated.
Cars that are rear wheel driven have engines that are usually longitudinally placed and have these engine-driven cooling fans. These fans have a switch that is controlled with the surrounding temperature and is called as a thermostatically controlled viscous clutch. This clutch is positioned at the hub of the fan, in the airflow coming through the radiator. This special viscous clutch is much like the viscous coupling sometimes found in all-wheel drive cars. These types of latest engine cooling fans can be retrieved by placing special orders.
In some perfectly designed engine cooling fans, the designers have applied a semi-analytic and semi empirical formula which is specifically developed for predicting noise radiation from engine cooling fan assemblies. These engine cooling fans significantly reduce the noise that is caused by the engine.
BUYING A CAR: 5 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY
by: Michael Lewis
Buying a car is an expensive thing. But, does it have to be? There are a number of things that you can do to get the car that you want for much less. Simple and a bit more complex, these tips will help you to save money in the long run. Buying a car can be affordable.
Here are five tips for saving money on your next car purchase.
1.Get your financing in order before you leave to look at cars. While many car dealerships are offering financing for vehicles, this can be one of the more costly options. Make sure you talk to online financing companies, your local bank and your credit union. You probably will save a good amount of money here.
2.Do the down payment. Even a bit of a down payment can help you to save considerably down the road. You can save a good deal of money if you invest wisely. But, adding a bit of a down payment to the purchase will help to lower the amount of principal that you actually owe on that vehicle purchase.
3.If your credit is bad, get a co signer. Having someone else that can help you to get your car is a great way to secure a vehicle for a more affordable price. This helps to lower the amount of risk that you present to the car financer. The lower the amount of risk you prove to be, the better your chances of paying less for that car.
4.Trade-ins are good too. If you have a car that you plan to trade in, you may be able to get a good price for it. To improve the amount you get, make sure that the car is as clean as possible, is running well and has been taken care of. In addition to this, make sure that you know the value of it by looking it up on the web. Know what its worth so you do not get taken. The value of the trade in will lower the amount you have to have financed on your vehicle.
5.Shop around and haggle. There is no shame in saving money. Dealers are selling cars to make a commission. How much will they make off of you? Do your homework out the type of car you are looking for and know its worth. Look at several dealerships to find the right car at the right price. Don't forget to haggle with the dealership salesmen. But, whatever you do, do not be insulting to them. That's the wrong way to get your price down.
Take these five ways to save on the next time you buy a car and you will walk way with the benefits that you deserve. You can save a good amount of financing and interest charges this way.
Buying a car is an expensive thing. But, does it have to be? There are a number of things that you can do to get the car that you want for much less. Simple and a bit more complex, these tips will help you to save money in the long run. Buying a car can be affordable.
Here are five tips for saving money on your next car purchase.
1.Get your financing in order before you leave to look at cars. While many car dealerships are offering financing for vehicles, this can be one of the more costly options. Make sure you talk to online financing companies, your local bank and your credit union. You probably will save a good amount of money here.
2.Do the down payment. Even a bit of a down payment can help you to save considerably down the road. You can save a good deal of money if you invest wisely. But, adding a bit of a down payment to the purchase will help to lower the amount of principal that you actually owe on that vehicle purchase.
3.If your credit is bad, get a co signer. Having someone else that can help you to get your car is a great way to secure a vehicle for a more affordable price. This helps to lower the amount of risk that you present to the car financer. The lower the amount of risk you prove to be, the better your chances of paying less for that car.
4.Trade-ins are good too. If you have a car that you plan to trade in, you may be able to get a good price for it. To improve the amount you get, make sure that the car is as clean as possible, is running well and has been taken care of. In addition to this, make sure that you know the value of it by looking it up on the web. Know what its worth so you do not get taken. The value of the trade in will lower the amount you have to have financed on your vehicle.
5.Shop around and haggle. There is no shame in saving money. Dealers are selling cars to make a commission. How much will they make off of you? Do your homework out the type of car you are looking for and know its worth. Look at several dealerships to find the right car at the right price. Don't forget to haggle with the dealership salesmen. But, whatever you do, do not be insulting to them. That's the wrong way to get your price down.
Take these five ways to save on the next time you buy a car and you will walk way with the benefits that you deserve. You can save a good amount of financing and interest charges this way.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE TIRE BLOWOUT ON THE ROAD AND HOW TO CHANGE A FLAT TIRE?
by: Wil Yeo
Having flat tires is one common problem encountered by almost every car owner. As tires are your only contact between the car and the road, flat tire is something that you want to guard against.
The major root cause of flat tire is the under inflation of the tires which is often a result gradual loss of tire pressure and on some instances, rapid loss of pressure due to impact or penetration of hard and sharp objects into the tires.
The danger of having flat tires is that your vehicle may becomes wobbly and you may lost control of it and thus the possibility of encountering serious accidents.
Following are some tips that will help you when your tire blowout:
By following the above steps, you have gotten yourself to a point of safety where you can calmly survey the situation and decide on the best actions to be taken, while making the road safer for other users.
You now have two choices - seek professional help or do the tire change yourself.
1. Be very sure that there are more than enough safety distance between your vehicle and the road. If this is not possible - DO NOT PROCEED with the tire change. Stay away from your vehicle and put yourself in a safe place. You will be much better off in getting a tow truck to tow away your vehicle and replaces your flat tire.
2. Have a brief check on your spare tire - make sure that it is good enough for use. Make sure that your car is on firm and level ground for safety reason.
3. Take out your car jack and lug wrench from your car boot and read the instructions given on how to lift up your vehicle.
4. If your car comes with a wheel cover, remove it with a metal object like a screwdriver or your key to expose the lugs nuts of the wheel.
5. Loosen your lug nuts of the wheel before lifting up your vehicle - do the same for all the nuts for the affected wheel. Remember - clockwise direction to tighten and anti-clockwise to loosen.
6. Once all the nuts are loosen somewhat, it is time to jack the vehicle up at the recommended location where the jack can be placed to lift up the car, this piece of information is available by in the car owner's instruction manual. Now, totally loosen all the nuts and your wheel is ready to be removed from the car.
7. Remove the punctured wheel from your vehicle and replace it with your spare tire, and tighten the nuts - tight enough without having the wheels turning, further tightening will be done after the car jack is being removed.
8. Remove the car jack - further tighten the lug nuts using the lug wrench. To ensure that the nuts are properly tighten and maintain the right balance, make sure that you tighten the nuts in a sequential manner, and repeat the process.
9. Replace the wheel cap and keep your equipment and the blown tire. You are now done.
Drive slowly to the nearest tire shop and have the tire replaced.
Depending on how well worn are your existing tires, you may choose to replace two tires or all four tires as it is always a good practice to change all tires for better balance. Make sure you ask your mechanic to check the alignment of the car to ensure that there is no residual effect from the blown tire.
Remember, never compromise safety. Getting into your car with the right mindset and with responsible behavior will serve you well a long, long way.
Having flat tires is one common problem encountered by almost every car owner. As tires are your only contact between the car and the road, flat tire is something that you want to guard against.
The major root cause of flat tire is the under inflation of the tires which is often a result gradual loss of tire pressure and on some instances, rapid loss of pressure due to impact or penetration of hard and sharp objects into the tires.
The danger of having flat tires is that your vehicle may becomes wobbly and you may lost control of it and thus the possibility of encountering serious accidents.
Following are some tips that will help you when your tire blowout:
- First and foremost, when the tire blow out - you'll have to remain calm and do not panic.
- Next, make sure that you grip your steering wheel firmly to gain better control of your vehicle.
- Decelerate your vehicle and let it slowly comes to a halt, this is done by simply taking off your feet from the gas pedal.
- Make sure you do not force the vehicle into going the direction you want by making any sudden turn of the steering wheel. Go along with the flow a little, slow down, turn on your signal light and work towards going to the break-down lane or to the side of the road as swiftly and as safely as possible.
- Brake lightly to bring your car to a complete halt.
- Once your car is stationary, turn on the hazard lights and / or lift up your car boot and hang a white clothe to warn other road users that your car is experiencing problem.
- If you have the triangular reflective warning sign, place it at a distance (about 50 meters) behind the vehicle. Make sure this is carried out safely.
By following the above steps, you have gotten yourself to a point of safety where you can calmly survey the situation and decide on the best actions to be taken, while making the road safer for other users.
You now have two choices - seek professional help or do the tire change yourself.
- If you have a mobile phone - use it to contact your mechanics or get in touch with one of your friends to help you get the professional help that you needed.
- And if you prefer to change your tires, here's the guidelines:
1. Be very sure that there are more than enough safety distance between your vehicle and the road. If this is not possible - DO NOT PROCEED with the tire change. Stay away from your vehicle and put yourself in a safe place. You will be much better off in getting a tow truck to tow away your vehicle and replaces your flat tire.
2. Have a brief check on your spare tire - make sure that it is good enough for use. Make sure that your car is on firm and level ground for safety reason.
3. Take out your car jack and lug wrench from your car boot and read the instructions given on how to lift up your vehicle.
4. If your car comes with a wheel cover, remove it with a metal object like a screwdriver or your key to expose the lugs nuts of the wheel.
5. Loosen your lug nuts of the wheel before lifting up your vehicle - do the same for all the nuts for the affected wheel. Remember - clockwise direction to tighten and anti-clockwise to loosen.
6. Once all the nuts are loosen somewhat, it is time to jack the vehicle up at the recommended location where the jack can be placed to lift up the car, this piece of information is available by in the car owner's instruction manual. Now, totally loosen all the nuts and your wheel is ready to be removed from the car.
7. Remove the punctured wheel from your vehicle and replace it with your spare tire, and tighten the nuts - tight enough without having the wheels turning, further tightening will be done after the car jack is being removed.
8. Remove the car jack - further tighten the lug nuts using the lug wrench. To ensure that the nuts are properly tighten and maintain the right balance, make sure that you tighten the nuts in a sequential manner, and repeat the process.
9. Replace the wheel cap and keep your equipment and the blown tire. You are now done.
Drive slowly to the nearest tire shop and have the tire replaced.
Depending on how well worn are your existing tires, you may choose to replace two tires or all four tires as it is always a good practice to change all tires for better balance. Make sure you ask your mechanic to check the alignment of the car to ensure that there is no residual effect from the blown tire.
Remember, never compromise safety. Getting into your car with the right mindset and with responsible behavior will serve you well a long, long way.
HOW TO DRIVE SAFELY
by: Barbara Thorp
A quick check-up can help prepare your car for the stress of high temperatures and increase its reliability on road trips, whether they are long or short. To look at the range of new cars available at present log on to OzFreeOnline.com and browse the auto classifieds. Firstly, plan trips well to avoid unnecessary driving in extreme heat.TYRES
To help prevent dangerous and inconvenient tyre failure, examine tyres for uneven or excessive tread wear. Make sure all tyres, including the spare, are properly inflated and in good condition.
BELT, HOSES, AND FLUIDS
With the engine off, look for worn or cracked belts and damaged blistered or soft hoses. Inspect the antifreeze/coolant level and condition, making sure the proper 50/50 mixture of water and coolant.
MOTOR OIL
Check motor oil level and condition. If driving under extreme conditions, such as very hot temperatures or towing a heavy trailer, switch to motor oil with higher viscosity. Check the owner's manual for specific oil recommendations.
AIR CONDITIONING
A properly working air conditioning system also helps motorists keep their cool in summer heat.
When you run your air conditioner, you get much worse petrol consumption. Use your air conditioner sparingly. If you have a lower setting, use it. Turn it on until the car gets cool, then turn it off, and let the fan circulate the cool air. Never run your air conditioner with your windows open.
If needed, have the air conditioning serviced by a qualified technician. Do not use non-approved substitute refrigerants.
EMERGENCY KIT
Because even properly maintained vehicles can break down, check OzFreeOnline.com and you'll find free car listings that may help your search. RACV and the NRMA advise motorists to equip their vehicle with an emergency kit, containing at least the following items: A torch with extra batteries, warning devices such as flares or reflective triangles, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, extra water, and a mobile phone to get emergency assistance quickly.
You see, driving with precaution doesn't only keep you and your loved ones safe, it also lets you enjoy the scenery and enjoy the ride better!
6 TIPS FOR SAVING GAS
by: Jackson Porter
In the past months we have seen the price of gasoline soar higher than ever before, and this can be hard on people who have a budget that is tight. Even though gas prices have come down a slight bit, you still will want to do everything you possibly can to save on the money you have to pay out for gas. There are a variety of ways that you can save gas, and save money.
Tip#1 - Start Carpooling
Carpooling is a great idea for fellow students and fellow employees both. If you can find people that are going to the same place you are you can save gas by riding together. It may be a good idea to trade off on who is driving from week to week so no one person gets stuck having to drive all the time. If you have to take your children to school or other functions you can also work on trading off with your friends and neighbors to take them there.
Tip#2 - Public Transportation
If it is possible you can take public transportation to work instead of driving your car. Not only will this save you money on gas, but you will also be able to relax and not worry about having to drive through all that rush hour traffic. You may even be able to fit in a quick nap on your way to work or on your way home.
Tip#3 - Price Shop
Often it may be so convenient to buy your gas at the small gas station just up the road, but to save some money on gas you may want to check the prices at other gas stations that are nearby as well. Even if the difference is only a few cents, after putting hundreds of gallons of gas in you vehicle each year, those few cents are going to add up to quite a sum of money.
Tip#4 - Get Moving
You can save some money on gas if you start walking to where you are going, or you can ride a bike as well. You will not have to worry about paying to park your car, and the exercise will be great for you body. If you are walking or biking you will not have to worry about those huge traffic jams either.
Tip#5 - Take Care of Your Car
It is always important to take care of your car so it gets the best gas mileage possible. Also be sure to plan where you are going before you go so you will not have to backtrack and waste gas. If you can, you should use your air conditioning as little as possible because using it takes more gas. Roll down your windows and you will use less gas.
Tip#6 - Check your Tires
It is important that you check the air pressure in your tires as often as possible. If your tires are too low, or the pressure in them is unequal it can make your car burn more gas. You should also be careful how you drive. If you take off from every red light very fast you are going to burn more fuel, so it is best to take off a little slower.
These are a few tips that can help the money conscious person to save money on gas. Even as gas prices drop, these tips can still help you to save more money. Conservation is important, so take advantage of these tips, save money, and save gas.
In the past months we have seen the price of gasoline soar higher than ever before, and this can be hard on people who have a budget that is tight. Even though gas prices have come down a slight bit, you still will want to do everything you possibly can to save on the money you have to pay out for gas. There are a variety of ways that you can save gas, and save money.
Tip#1 - Start Carpooling
Carpooling is a great idea for fellow students and fellow employees both. If you can find people that are going to the same place you are you can save gas by riding together. It may be a good idea to trade off on who is driving from week to week so no one person gets stuck having to drive all the time. If you have to take your children to school or other functions you can also work on trading off with your friends and neighbors to take them there.
Tip#2 - Public Transportation
If it is possible you can take public transportation to work instead of driving your car. Not only will this save you money on gas, but you will also be able to relax and not worry about having to drive through all that rush hour traffic. You may even be able to fit in a quick nap on your way to work or on your way home.
Tip#3 - Price Shop
Often it may be so convenient to buy your gas at the small gas station just up the road, but to save some money on gas you may want to check the prices at other gas stations that are nearby as well. Even if the difference is only a few cents, after putting hundreds of gallons of gas in you vehicle each year, those few cents are going to add up to quite a sum of money.
Tip#4 - Get Moving
You can save some money on gas if you start walking to where you are going, or you can ride a bike as well. You will not have to worry about paying to park your car, and the exercise will be great for you body. If you are walking or biking you will not have to worry about those huge traffic jams either.
Tip#5 - Take Care of Your Car
It is always important to take care of your car so it gets the best gas mileage possible. Also be sure to plan where you are going before you go so you will not have to backtrack and waste gas. If you can, you should use your air conditioning as little as possible because using it takes more gas. Roll down your windows and you will use less gas.
Tip#6 - Check your Tires
It is important that you check the air pressure in your tires as often as possible. If your tires are too low, or the pressure in them is unequal it can make your car burn more gas. You should also be careful how you drive. If you take off from every red light very fast you are going to burn more fuel, so it is best to take off a little slower.
These are a few tips that can help the money conscious person to save money on gas. Even as gas prices drop, these tips can still help you to save more money. Conservation is important, so take advantage of these tips, save money, and save gas.
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