Car Blog

Hopefully a broken piece of glass on your vehicle is a situation you never have to deal with. However, if it does happen it’s important to know your options. There are a few items to consider if you should repair or replace your auto glass. The two most important items are the visibility for the driver and the structural integrity of the glass.

What To Look For To Determine Auto Glass Replacement or Repair

You should consider a car window repair if during a accident the glass will not decrease your passengers safety. The crack will also need to be shorter than twelve inches or less than an inch if it’s in the shape of a circle. Another way to consider if you need car glass repair  is if your crack is on the outside of the glass and hasn’t penetrated into the inside. You also need to consider where the crack is located. In order to consider repairing then the crack needs to be at least three inches away from the outer margin of the glass.

You should consider auto glass replacement if the damage to glass is obstructing the drivers view. This is by far the most important factor as it can lead to other accidents due to not having a clear view of the road. You should also measure the crack, if it’s over fourteen inches long or has a circle larger than three inches then typically most mobile auto glass repair companies will want you to replace the auto glass because the structural integrity of the glass is likely compromised. You can also check to see if the crack has made it into the inside of the glass. If this is the case you should definitely look at a replacement because the glass now has a very weak point.  If the crack is around the edges of the glass, most windshield chip repair companies will want to do full replacement because they will not be able to guarantee a repair.

Safety Factor

Like all issues in the automotive world, safety is the most important aspect that needs to be considered when making a decision for your vehicle. It is usually not an issue to drive with a crack for a short period of time however you should get it repaired or replaced as soon as you can. Any additional driving when you have a crack in the glass can cause the crack to spread from the vibration of the vehicle operating.

Consider Visibility

Driving a vehicle that decreases the drives view of the road because of a crack in the windshield is a huge safety risk. In some states it’s considered illegal and can cost you a hefty fine. If crack in a windshield is anywhere in line with the windshield wiper path than you should consider doing a full replacement.

Size of The Damage

With today’s technology it seems there is always new tools or ways for your to easily repair your windshield. You want to keep in mind that there are still limitations on when you can repair the glass and its based off the size of the damage. Anything larger than twelve inches or a three inch circle you will be recommended to do a full replacement and not a repair.

Many people buy new and used cars from dealerships, and while most car dealerships are large franchises, there are several independently owned ones. If you are interested in starting your own dealership to sell used cars for affordable prices, here are three questions to ask yourself before opening your business.

Do You Have Insurance?

Cars, trucks and SUVs are expensive, so to protect your inventory and bottom line, you need to make sure your business is covered by insurance. Search for “who insures car dealerships King George VA” to find a company that will protect your business financially.

How Will You Stock Inventory?

Knowing how you will obtain cars to sell is a huge element of your business plan. Before you start a dealership, make sure you have a plan in place to constantly build your inventory as pieces sell. For every vehicle that sells, you need to be able to replace it so you can continue making money. You may want to consider a trade-in program.

How Will You Advertise?

People won’t visit your dealership if they don’t know it exists. You need to spread the word about your business before you open it so people will know it is open. You may not be able to afford a flashy television ad, but you can launch a marketing campaign with social media, emails and print advertising. People are more likely to do business with you if they trust you, so make sure you spend time cultivating connections within the community.

Launching any type of business is challenging, but opening a car dealership presents some unique challenges. Think about these three questions and make sure you can answer them properly to make sure you are ready to open a car dealership. If you take the time to answer these questions,  you can give your new business a solid foundation for success.

When you are in a car accident, the world can suddenly become a terrifying place. As you lose control of your vehicle, you can feel powerless and in need of protection. Here are six things you can do to take back control of the situation.

1. Stay Calm

No matter how angry you are, remain calm. Don’t rant at the other driver; instead, check out the damage on your vehicle. Never apologize or admit any type of guilt for the collision.

2. Check Injuries

If there are other people in your vehicle, check for injuries. If anyone is dizzy or feels nauseous, make sure they sit somewhere safe in case it is a concussion. If injures are apparent, call for an ambulance.

3. Call Police

Call 9-1-1 and identify the accident scene. Provide all information requested and ask for an officer to come to the location if possible. Remember to ask how long the wait time is for the officer’s arrival.

4. Collect Information

Get all pertinent insurance and vehicle information from the other driver – including a photo of their driver’s license. If someone pretends to be the driver and you know differently, let the officer know.

5. Get Repairs

Your car will need repairs even after a minor crash. Call a car repair Edmonds WA shop, and if you can’t drive your auto, ask for a tow to the building. Remember to request a rental car if the repairs will take several days.

6. Phone Insurance

Let your insurance company know about the accident and provide your agent with an accident scene number. Forward any photos you took at the scene to the accident investigator.

You may be frazzled after your crash, but if you can follow the six steps above, you can take back control and protect yourself. How you handle the situation is in your hands.

Cars are expensive purchases so when you decide to buy on, you want to make sure it lasts for many years. Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your vehicle running smoothly, but you can also take these three steps to make sure you get the most for your money.

Maintain the Interior of Your Vehicle

Although you may think keeping your car’s engine running smoothly is the best way to keep the vehicle running smoothly, you also need to pay attention to the interior. Minor problems such as malfunctioning interior lights and or a spotty radio could indicate problems with the engine, and ripped seats can make driving uncomfortable. Taking care of issues such as console repair Chantilly VA as quickly as possible can help you keep the inside of your vehicle as clean as the outside.

Use High-Quality Fuel

Most cars run on gasoline and fuel can add up to a significant expense. Occasionally, you may find gas that is less expensive, but it is important to not compromise on quality for the sake of your wallet. Using low-quality fuel can cause engine problems, which could cost you more to fix than you save on fuel.

Get Repairs Done Immediately

Car problems happen unexpectedly, and to avoid a major expense, you may want to put off repairs if the issue is not preventing the car from running. This can cost you more in the long run. Take your car to the repair shop as soon as you suspect a problem so minor issues don’t become major.

If you take the time to take care of your car properly, you can make sure it lasts for many years. This can save you a significant amount of money in vehicle expenses, so practice these three tips to help your budget and pad your savings account.

Large banks and corporations have used armored car services for decades, but today, smaller banks and companies, such as retail establishments, have begun using these services to reduce their risk, liabilities and operating costs and efficiencies.

Benefits

Armored transport secures cash and other valuables, reducing the chances they will be stolen on route to their new location. Your employee liability is also reduced because you do not have staff members transporting cash and valuables. In addition, these services improve your efficiency because they eliminate your need to go to the bank every day or several times per day. . These services can also be customized to your needs. You will also gain peace of mind because you know your valuables are secured in transit.

Technology

Improved technology encourages outsourcing, making it an easier and more efficient way to do business. Armored vehicles have more secure systems and have standardized the transmission of files between clients and banks. In addition, armored service clients can access a web portal to check on their transfers and inventory. They can also alter their contracts or service requirements and access reports on their armored services activities. These portals eliminate miscommunications that may occur through email or via phone. Everything is clear and in writing, so both parties understand the services being purchased.

Other Armored Cars

Not only are cash-in-transit vehicles armored, but so are law enforcement vehicles, including SWAT and tactical trucks. These vehicles store a variety of weapons and can be used for emergency services. Military vehicles are typically heavily armored as well. Personal vehicles can also be armored. Although these vehicles do not look any different from any other vehicle of its type, they are fully armored by specialists outside the factory.

If you need cash or valuables collected and delivered to the bank, deposit box, ATM or other locations, consider contracting an armored car company.

Maintaining your vehicle may seem like a big responsibility. Most individuals are not knowledgeable about auto mechanics and it can seem overwhelming to know what to do and when to care for your vehicle. Because a car is expensive, you hope that it will continue running smoothly for many years. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to extend the life of your vehicle.

1. Oil Change

Car repair shops in Bloomington IL offer oil change services. The engine oil is crucial to a properly running vehicle because clean oil reduces friction and over-heating of your engine. Luckily, it’s not a mystery how often you should change your oil. Consult your car’s owner’s manual for recommendations. If you don’t have an owner’s manual, most experts recommend every 5,000 to 7,000 miles for newer cars.

2. Fluid Check

Your vehicle has other fluids that need to be filled to the proper level. Transmission, brake, power steering and coolant fluids should be checked each month. You’ll likely need to take your vehicle to an auto shop to top off some of these fluids. If you have a fluid leak, take your vehicle to a service shop to identify which fluid is leaking and to have it repaired.

3. Tire Inspection

The tires on your vehicle also need to be inflated to the proper PSI. Check the pressure in your tires before a road trip and at least once a month. The right tire pressure ensures that the tread is worn evenly and prevents dangerous blowouts.

4. Tire Rotation

In addition to the right tire pressure, the tires need to be rotated every six months or 8,000 miles at the latest. A tire rotation involves taking all the tires off and moving them to a different location on the vehicle. This process ensures that all tires are worn evenly.

Maintaining your vehicle is essential for driver and passenger safety. Proper maintenance will also increase the life of your vehicle.  

Driving a truck conjures up images of the open road, freedom, taking that highway into a promising future. However, drivers of big rigs must take care of a lot of practical details before the journey can begin or continue. Here are three important things truck drivers in Michigan and every state need to consider.

Love the Lifestyle

Driving a big rig across the country is about much more than traveling from place to place. Truck drivers have a specific lifestyle. To succeed in this industry, they must work long hours. Reaching each destination takes time. Sometimes those hours are empty, arrowing down a lonesome highway at 3 a.m. Drivers should be prepared to spend a lot of time alone.

Maintain Your Rig

Trucks must be maintained regularly. Long hours on the road take their toll on parts and systems. Regular checks and servicing are imperative for the safety of drivers and everyone else on the road. Big rigs need special facilities for repairs. Not just anyone can change one of these tires, for example. Drivers should be familiar with a truck and trailer maintenance and repair shop Taylor MI and in other places along their routes. Some of these specialty service facilities even fabricate some parts onsite.

Take Care of Your Health

Sitting behind the wheel for hours at a time can take a toll on drivers’ health. They should develop routines to keep themselves physically fit. They need both active cardio exercise as well as weight lifting to maintain muscles. In addition, drivers should avoid fatty, unhealthy foods filled with processed sugar. Healthier options are easy, and they can make a big difference in drivers’ overall health.

Drivin’ Down the Highway

Truck drivers may have what seem like numerous attractive perks to their jobs, but they also must pay attention to practical considerations. They have to maintain the health of both their big rigs and their bodies, and most of all, they must love what they do. When these things come together, drivers can look to the future with joy.

Maybe you’ve heard how much money truck drivers can make, and you’re considering if the career might be right for you. Whether you want to drive an eighteen-wheeler or run a 24 hour truck service, you should be familiar with what truck drivers do all day besides hauling loads. There’s a lot more to the job than just cruising interstates and highways. You have to be willing to interact with customers and dispatchers and maintain relationships with people you drive for to ensure you continue getting their business.

Early Mornings

The first thing to know is that most truck drivers start their day before the sun comes up. It’s not uncommon to get up and accept a load at 3 or 4 a.m. if it’s far away. These are prime time spots to get heavy loads that payout the most. Waking up early also helps them to have ample time to check their truck and complete any required logs without losing valuable driving hours. They also use this time to check weather conditions and traffic updates so they can plan the quickest route to the pickup and drop off destinations.

Long Days

Driving a truck can be a tedious job, especially if you don’t like long road trips. Although some drivers have the option to only work locally, the further they haul a load the more they can get paid for it. This means some drivers will be willing to drive one or two states over to pick up cargo and deliver it to yet another state. This can lead to long days on the road and sometimes overnight trips to deliver one load. There are rules for how long a driver is allowed to operate his truck without a break, so distance deliveries can easily turn into overnight trips if you’re forced to rest after eight hours of driving.

Nights on the Road

Spending a night on the road is a little different for a trucker. Most drivers who work long hauls will have a sleep truck, which means there’s a bunk in the back of the cab where they can comfortably spend the night. These drivers might park at a truck stop to grab some food and a shower, then spend the night in their truck. Drivers without a sleeper truck would have to find places to stay along their route because trucks can rarely travel into cities on the narrow roads.

As a homeowner, you’re likely always looking for new ways to keep your home in great condition. If you’re looking for ways to spruce up your home so it looks great, here are some helpful tips that will get your home looking showroom ready in no time.

Siding or Painting

A great way to spruce up your home’s exterior so that it pops is to give it a fresh new color. If your home is sided, opt to change out the siding for a bold new color that will look great and last for years to come. If your home is painted, you can hire someone to handle your house painting Baton Rouge. Don’t be afraid to choose a bold color that will stand out and give your home some personality, or to play with contrasting colors for the window trim, shutters, and doors. 

Update Landscaping

If your landscaping is beginning to look drab or dated, you can freshen it up by adding some new plants into the mix. Plan out your landscaping to see if there is anything that you want to remove and where you want to add new plants. If you want a pop of color, plant bold florals that will attract the eye. For a more subdued look, stick with shrubs, bushes, and hostas. 

Lighting

Proper lighting can offer your home a lot of interest. Purchase lighting that will illuminate your lawn, driveway, and front door so that it stands out at night. As an added bonus, having lots of lighting around your home can also deter would-be criminals from targeting your home, as there are fewer places where they can enter your home undetected. 

Making your home stand out and look great doesn’t have to be a daunting task. These projects are sure to help your home stand out as a showpiece and ensure that it looks great.