Archive for January, 2007

5 Things You Should Know Before You Sign a Contract

Posted Jan 28th, 2007 12:33PM by admin

Security from any fraud and unscrupulous activities should be a serious concern for anyone who is into sales, lease, jobs, or any kind of services that entail certain provisionary agreement and settlement.

Whether a party is a first time or an expert person, the industry and the services that go with it presents the concerned person with risks and challenges that you cannot underestimate. Every time that a person is engaged in a commercial transaction in the society, he or she is in danger of submitting their selves to probabilities of fraudulent activities.

That is why contracts were made to ensure the security of both parties involved.

Generally, contracts are created to provide solid information about the agreement that transpired between two or more parties and that any details stated therein are bounded by certain laws and regulations. Hence, it is extremely important for a person to know the important details of the contract before he or she signs and submits to the pact.

Here is a list of some of the things people should know before they sign a contract. Knowing these will surely protect them from any discrepancies or any fraudulent activities that may happen.

1. Be aware that a contract is a legal document, bound by legal provisions and stipulations.

As defined, it is a “legally binding,” printed arrangement signed by two or more factions or groups, which entails their commitment to each other.

With the term legal, this means that any provisions stated therein are bounded by law, in which, any act, made by a particular party or all of the parties concerned, that constitutes as non-conformity to the details of the agreement will be held liable with the law.

This means that anybody could be imprisoned or held in custody with the law unless other wise the concerned party is proven not guilty.

Hence, it is important to be meticulous about the details of the contract before signing it to avoid any potential risk.

2. Make sure that you are dealing with trustworthy and reliable companies

It is extremely important to know first who the concerned person is dealing with. Therefore, it would be better if an individual or a party would try to do some investigations and background checks first before they sign the contract.

If in the event that a person or a party is in doubt, it is best to follow their instincts and forego the signing of the contract.

3. Know the fine print

The problem with most people is that they assume every detail as part and partial of the whole agreement, thinking that everything will be stated as agreed verbally, and that there will be no harm if they will not read thoroughly the fine print.

This should not be the case; otherwise, they can get into trouble with the parties involved or with the law.

People should bear in mind, that the law fully assumes that any person or entity that has agreed to sign in a contract has fully understand the details stipulated therein. Hence, there is no excuse for any party who claims that they had missed certain details in the contract.

4. Make sure that all of the details about the contract are fully stated.

This means that all information pertinent to the agreement should be stipulated clearly and completely. For example, for service contracts, be sure that the beginning date and ending date of the service is clearly stated.

5. Make certain that there are no blank spaces in the contract

Before signing a contract, concerned parties should try to inspect the document meticulously and ensure that there are no blank spaces present. This may pose greater risks if left unattended, especially if their signatures are already affixed on the contract.

All of these things are boiled down to the fact that people should be very careful about transactions, deals, or agreements that they commit to. It is relatively important to be aware and knowledgeable of the details of the contract before signing it.

You may have heard that ignorance of the law is not an excuse. This is true, therefore, it is better to be fully aware of it than to be in trouble with the law in the end.

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CAR SERVICE CONTRACTS: FULL SERVICE OR FOOLISH SERVICE?

Posted Jan 27th, 2007 12:45PM by admin

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Upon purchasing a car, one may also be required to avail of an auto service contract to do away with untimely and expensive repairs. Before agreeing into any of it, one should first completely get a grip of both the contract’s terms and the one responsible for supplying the coverage.

The following will help in the understanding of the use of a car service contract and what should be considered before getting one.

Car Service Contract mistaken as a warranty

A car service contract should not be mistaken as a warranty as made understood by federal law even if it is sometimes called “extended warranty”. Similar to a warranty, a car service contract promises to provide or pay for particular services or repairs.

A warranty goes together with a new automobile and comes together with the original price of the car while an car service contract is sold separately and can be arranged for at anytime.

Things to consider in a car service contract:

o Duplication of car service contract with whichever warranty treatment

Before buying any car service contract, try comparing it with the manufacturer’s warranty first. This will avoid shelling out for coverage that may already be provided by the warranty.

o Accountability of car service contract

Check on who is accountable in performing or paying for reparations within the terms of the contract whether it is the dealership, the manufacturer, or an independent company.

A lot of these car service contracts that dealers sell are controlled by companies that are independent or administrators, as they are called. They function as adjusters of claims who authorize payment claims to dealers under service contract. Therefore, any dispute on claims should be discussed or settled with the supervisor.

Once the administrator stops his business, it is a possibility that the dealership may be compelling to execute the terms of the contract. It is also possible that if the dealer runs out of business, the administrator may be the one expected to complete the contract’s terms.

It is imperative to know the credibility of the dealer and/or the administrator. Inquire about their references and verify them. The local or state office for consumer protection, local automobile dealers associations, Department of Motor Vehicles, local Better Business Bureau are good sources of references and public information.

It is also important to know the length of time the dealer or administrator have had in the business. It is also vital to determine if the dealer or administrator has the funding to sustain their contractual responsibilities.

Know if the car service contract has an insurance company that has underwritten it. This is mandatory in some states. If it is so, verify the company’s solvency with the State Insurance Commission and check for complaints that might have been filed against it.

o Prices of Auto Service Contracts

The cost of auto service contracts are usually known through observing the vehicle’s model, make, condition whether it is new or used, the coverage, and the contract’s length. The price ranges from hundreds of dollars to over a thousand.

Over and above the initial charge may be an additional fee to pay known as deductible, every time the car is repaired or serviced. In some auto service contracts, one may pay just one charge for each visit for all the required restoration, no matter how many. On the other hand, other contracts demand the client to pay a deductible for each unrelated repair.

Transfer of canceling fees may also be asked to be paid once the client decides to sell the car or wishes to finish the contract. Contracts usually decrease the payment for towing services and other related car rental expenses.

o Coverage

Only a few car service contracts treat all types of repair. Typical repairs for parts such as clutches and brakes are usually not coming with the service contracts. If some items are not listed in the service contract, assume that it is not included. An example of this is if the contract indicates coverage on the “drive train” only, it will surely not pay for the alternator which is a component of the electrical system.

Beware of absolute rules that reject or deny coverage for any reason. An example of this is if a part that is covered is damaged by a part that is not covered, no claim will be given.

One my not have full protection even on parts that are covered in the contract. This is possible due to some companies using a “depreciation factor” in calculating the coverage. This primarily means that the contract covers only partial repair or replacement costs if they take into consideration your vehicle’s mileage for instance.

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Test driving tips

Posted Jan 26th, 2007 3:38AM by admin

Are you thinking of getting a used car? Are you searching for tips on what to check and look for when considering buying a car? It is of utmost importance to have a thorough knowledge of the car that you are going to acquire. This will ensure your enjoyment and contentment for the years to come using your car.

The proper mind set

First of all, you must keep in mind that test driving a car is not a simple procedure. It will determine the claimed performance of the car you want by the dealer and contrast it with the performance in real conditions. This is the time wherein you can see if the car that you have always wanted measures up with your ideals and standards.

Prepare a checklist of criteria

It is important to make a checklist of criteria by which you will be able to judge a car’s performance without having any problems regarding objectivity. It will help you see the car’s advantages and disadvantages without the influence of other factors that are not as important. This will also enable you to conduct the test drive faster since you already have a set list of the things that you are looking for in a car.

Explore other weather conditions

You should consider test driving a car in inclement weather conditions to have a better feel of the car’s overall performance regardless of the type of weather it will be used in. It is good to know the car’s feel when driving in rainy conditions or at night. If the dealer requires that a representative accompany you on the test drive, let the person know what you are planning to do and what route you will be taking.

Drive in different kinds of terrain

When test driving a car, outline a route that will take you to different kinds of terrain like bumpy roads and steep hills. When checking a car’s turning capabilities and braking power, consider doing it in a side street that has very little traffic. If you are going to evaluate the car’s acceleration and speed, then taking it to the open highway or the interstate is a good idea. You should also do a lot of driving on the types of roads that you encounter in everyday driving like your route from work going to your house or vice-versa.

Inside the car

When you are inside the car and behind the wheel, some of the things that you should check are the following:

Look to see if the gauges are working properly and are easy to read. Make certain you can easily see beyond the steering wheel and it does not in any way obstruct your view.

On the dashboard

After checking the gauges and steering wheel, the next thing to look at is the dashboard. Check that all the dashboard controls are within easy reach and you do not need to significantly move out of a comfortable driving position. Search for any extensions on the dashboard that may potentially cause injury to the driver or passenger during sudden stops or when surging forward.

Visibility

Check that windshield wipers are working properly. Use the squirting mechanism that applies the wiper fluid onto the windshield and find areas that may not be reached by it. This is critical since it may affect your night time driving and when driving during bad weather conditions. Does the car have a tint? If the tint is too thick, it will impair night visibility and cause you to have a hard time driving at night. There are also laws that prevent the windshield from being tinted. Check the rules and regulations in your state to determine if that applies.

On the road

While driving, check for blind spots by looking closely at the side mirrors as well as the rear view mirror. Evaluate the performance of the car’s suspension by checking if it offers a comfortable ride and you feel that you are in control at all times. Look for a parking lot without too much vehicles and conduct a few sharp turns as well as a U-turn. Does the suspension work well or does the car wobble too much?

Steering performance

Observe that the car has a responsive steering mechanism. A little turn of the steering wheel should be enough for the car to respond efficiently. The steering should be balanced enough so as to have enough power for easy steering and at the same time it should correctly render the feel of the road to the driver.

These are some of the things to consider when taking a car for a road test. Remember to put a car’s performance first in your priority before its other aspects.

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"Key-Pointers When Buying a Second Hand Car"

Posted Jan 25th, 2007 4:29AM by admin

Buying a car from an individual or from a local car dealer is one tedious task if the objective is to purchase a second car that is still in good running condition. A buyer would never trade his hard-earned money with just a complete wasted used car. Whether new or used, when buying a car, it should be treated with the same importance and value.

There are things to take into consideration before buying the car and these are:

1. Educate yourself as a consumer
2. Prepare a list of your needs. Prioritize between the necessities and the wants.
3. Determine the budget and the kind of car that would best fit.
4. Make a selection by models and types. Narrowing them will be helpful.
5. Research both online and offline by dealers.
6. Know the value of the second hand car in the market.
7. Research the Vehicle Identification Numbers and history.
8. Take a mechanic when checking the car whether buying from a friend or a dealer.
9. Never shy away from asking questions.
10. If there’s a gut feeling about it not being good, don’t be afraid to walk away.

Bringing a mechanic along is always a good strategy. Make sure your mechanic inspects the totality of the car, from the history down to its last screw. It should be parked on a level spot. You should make certain that it was driven for about an hour. This should make it a good time to make the inspection. Always make it on a well lit surrounding and in broad daylight.

How to inspect it thoroughly:

Checking the exterior. Walk around to see if there is damage to the body. The corners of the car should be shaken and bounced up and down to see if the shock absorbers are still in good condition. Make sure that the wheel bearings do not make any sound when trying to pull the front tires by tugging them. Open the doors lift the hood and the trunk to see if all the rubber seals are still in place. This will also tell if there’s anything loose around the hinges. Check for signs of repaint. There will be difference in the color because shops can never duplicate the original paint of the car. Ask someone to turn on all the lights outside of the car and look if all are working. Cars with only 30,000 miles of travel must still have its original tires. Beware if you find a car with only a few miles of travel but has new tires. When the test drive is done, check the discs of the brakes, this should still be clean and smooth. Check the windshield for cracks.

Checking the Interior. Though it sounds odd, smell the insides of the car. Sniff under mats and the carpet. If it smells like mildew then it’s a sign that there is a leak somewhere or that the car may have undergone flood damage. Switch on the air-conditioning to make sure that it really turns the whole inside of the car cold. Next, try the heater. Try out all lights inside as well and never forget to blow the horn. Also try all the seat adjustments. The upholstery should still be in good shape too. There will be a lot more to check and here is where the mechanic can help the buyer.

Looking inside the trunk. Once more, smell the insides and check for any signs of leaks. Make sure that some basic car tools are still present for the new user.

Checking under the hood. Feel the wiring for any cracks or brittleness. Squeeze the hoses and the fan belt for any cuts and possible electrical tape patches. Do not take off the cap of the radiator until its cool enough. The greenish color indicates a good condition where the coolant is. Beware of stains and dirty-whitish color on the radiator. Again, let the rest be checked by the mechanic like the batteries.

Checking under the car. Lie down if you must and use an emergency light to see the engine underneath. Feel any signs of residue. Check the pipes and examine any possibility of heavy rusting.

Do the Test Drive. The owner or dealer should not stop a buyer from going over about twenty minutes of test drive. This is a special time to thoroughly look for any problems with the air-conditioning, heater, steering wheel, brakes, transmission, and most importantly, the comfort. Feel everything; it’s okay to try it on a hump or a slight bumpy road to really experience the performance. Listen carefully to check any rattles. Have a pen and paper, flashlight, gloves, magnet, towel, blanket and even CD or tape when checking a car out.

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Car Auctions 101

Posted Jan 24th, 2007 12:20PM by admin

Car auctions are a good place to get good a bargain on cars. But buying cars from auctions can be very complicated. This is particularly true for the uninitiated. Of course the cars in auctions are generally cheaper. But they are cheap because they lack the guarantees that come with cars bought from dealers. The rules in auctions are simple, you bid an item, you pay for it, and you own it.

It is therefore not advisable for persons without much experience in motor vehicles to just go to an auction and buy a car.

What you’ll need if you’re planning to buy a car in an auction is a good eye, good observation skills and a willingness to learn the car auction process.

You can even make it a business by buying cars at auction and then selling them at a profit. There are several people who have made huge profits by buying and selling cars at auction.

There are basically two kinds of car auctions, local car auctions and online car auctions. Each of the auctions works differently. Each has a different set of rules so you must study them very carefully if you are planning to buy a car from either kind of auction.

If you want to buy a vehicle in a car auction you must first pre-register with the local auction you want to join. The pre-registration process won’t take much of your time and will provide you all the essential information that you will need in order to buy a car. An auction site will often have an auction staff who will explain to you the rules of their auction site and the procedures and instruction on how to participate and bid on the cars.

It is wise to inspect the cars before the actual bidding begins. Ask the auction organizer or staff if they can allow you to take a closer look at the cars before the start of the actual auction. Another wise decision is to set your payment limit before the actual sale. This way, you won’t fall victim to the trap of overbidding.

As in other auctions, it is very important that you signal your bids carefully to the car auctioneer to avoid confusion. Settle your transaction as soon as the auction ends. Look for the block clerk and settle your accounts with him. A car auction staff will usually be available to assist you when you are ready to pay for the vehicle you have won. He should also be able to guarantee you a good title for the vehicle.

You must also check the vehicle after you have won and settling your account. Take the vehicle for a test drive and make sure that it conforms to the guarantee and representation made during the auction.

Most auction sites would accept check or credit card if you cannot pay the car with cash. An auction staff will also usually give you a third party financing offer. It is advisable though to have your own finances ready before entering a car auction. Outside financing is usually cheaper than most in-house financing of auction sites.

Ask for an invoice copy from the auction staff. This will enable you to drive or ship your newly bought car to your location. Most car auction managers will give you good deals on shipping arrangements so inquire about this.

There really are no significant differences between a local auction and an online auction. Online car auctions work more or less the same way as local ones. The only disadvantage of online auction sites is that you won’t be able to inspect the car as you would in an actual car auction. In participating in online car auctions be sure that you will be provided with all the necessary information about the car upfront and that there is an actual photograph of the vehicle.

Cars bought from an online auction are usually shipped to the buyer for a minimal fee. Inspect the car immediately upon arrival at your location to minimize risks.

You are now ready for your first car auction. Happy bidding!

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“Read the warranty, it will save some money.”

Posted Jan 23rd, 2007 1:26PM by admin

When consumers buy a car, the seller or manufacturer pledges to vouch for the car. This is a warranty. Federal law enforces warranties to be always available to buyers. It should be made clear to the consumer even when they are just searching for what car to buy or if they are just browsing the internet.

Coverage differs. Therefore, warranties should be checked together with the design, value, quality and other car characteristics.

Warrantees and guarantees often confuse people that are trying to differentiate the two. These two words, although quite similar, have distinct differences in the area of home improvement.

First, the basic terminologies are somewhat different. Warranty is usually attributed to manufacturers while guarantees refer to the labor.

Warrantees are usually pro-rated. This means that the coverage agreements could change as time goes on. Guarantees from the labor sector mostly are inclusive.

Here are some examples:

1. Siding should have a warranty not to crack, sag or buckle.
2. The intensity of colors will not diminish for 3 points or more.
3. Warrantees are transferable to different owners and then changed to 5 years.
4. Require registration.
5. Effects of stains brought about by chemicals or too much mildew due to need for cleaning is not under the warranty.

Warrantees usually offer satisfactory coverage but are not one hundred percent.

What is the coverage of guarantee under one year labor?

Example, a product or service falters in just the first year. It will be changed or fixed without charge. To sum it up, if a high priced product is purchased, the coverage will be 100%. As product price decreases, so does the value of the coverage. It is not the manufacturer’s fault that less coverage is given for cheap products.

Product information and warranty or guarantee inclusions should be thoroughly understood by the potential buyers before signing anything. Always be on the lookout for contractors that adhere to specific brands for a long time. Chances are they have valid reasons why they remain loyal.

Everyone is like a faithful contractor who looks for good service. These contractors are always on stand by to give service. Warranties and product quality concerns also keep good contractors on their toes. On the other hand, bad contractors do not care at all for product quality and warranty. They are always scouting for the cheapest product on sale and totally disregarding the warrantees and services that it could entail in the future.

What are written warranties?

Written warranties are not compulsory under the law but are commonly found in major purchases. Here are some tips to consider in looking for warranties.

• What is the amount of time provided by the warranty?

Always make sure to take note of the beginning and expiration of warranties and also the terms that may nullify it.

• Who is the person in charge of providing the warranty?

The coverage will be provided either by the manufacturer or seller so it should be made sure which of these two.

• What are the specific steps to be undertaken when there is a product failure?

Check if the company, provider or seller will fix the product, change it with a new one or give the money back.

• What are the parts and specific product failures covered by the warranty?

Buyers should thoroughly examine if there are product parts or kinds that are not part of the warranty coverage. Examples are warranties that ask for payment for work done during the repair process. Be wary of inclusions that could be potentially costly or inconvenient. An example of this is transporting a heavy or huge product to a factory for repair or the product should be given back with its original case intact.

• Are “consequential damages” covered by the warranty?

There are warranties that do not include damages affected by the product or based on the time and money spent in repairing the damages. An example of this is when a newly bought freezer bogs down and the food is spoiled. The seller or manufacturer is not compelled to pay for the food.

• What are the warranty limitations?

There are warranties that only give the warranty coverage if the status of the product is maintained as cited in the condition. Certain warranties specify products like washing machines to be used for home use only. If the washing machine is used in a commercial enterprise and breaks down, no warranty will be given.

Buyers should always read the warranty or guarantee terms before purchasing any product if they want to make the most out of their hard earned money.

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"Buying a Car? Tips about Financing"

Posted Jan 22nd, 2007 1:01PM by admin

Before purchasing a dream car, try to assess if the budget can really afford it. Questions like, how will it be paid, who will be helping to pay for it, what is the price limit of the car to be bought, and how long will it take to pay off the car? These should be considered even while planning to buy the car. The trend nowadays is that people buy the cars by cashing out the down payment, and the balance will be paid by installment. Others are just lucky enough to have saved the right amount of money that they are able to cash out the total cost of the car, which, by the way, seldom happens now. Never set aside the possibility of paying thousands of dollars when buying from a dealer or a specific car company, where in the end, charges you more for the interest which takes even years to pay.

Once you have found a way to finance the car you are eyeing on, then it’s time to start shopping around. There are credit unions and even local banks that are willing to loan the needed amount to purchase the car with an Annual Percentage Rate of only 1.9 per cent. However, this may turn out to be a catch, since this will only be happening on the first year. Without prior notice, these interest rates can increase which is a total inconvenience for those with just a fix income every year.

It is a big plus if a buyer is a member of a credit union. Being a member could save you from the trouble of spending a whole day in a lender’s office because the processing of the loan could only take just a few minutes after filling out the necessary papers for the request. In a credit union, fifteen to twenty minutes is all that is needed to do the application. They could even loan even up to $25,000.00 within just an hour after signing the papers.

It will be very helpful when a research is made prior to making that loan for a car. Believe it or not, car dealers are really digging out most of the penny in a buyer’s pocket by issuing interest that is sometimes unreasonable. There are two things needed to consider when thinking of financing a new car:

First, what’s the price willing to be spent by a buyer? More often than not, other people would rather ask themselves the question: How much of the car price do they intend to buy instead? They will be willing if the know they can afford their choice. Consider monthly regular expenditures. The monthly payment for the new car should not get in the way of paying the fixed monthly dues in the household. If in case it does, by merely doing a math, then just consider a second hand car. Just make sure that all is checked and examined to avoid hassle in the future.

Second, is it really important to change cars every two to four years? Consider cars offered on a lease, if so. Other dealers and car companies offer the leasing of a car for that amount of time, which you can return but no money will be refunded. However, there is an allotted amount of distance or mileage that should be covered during those years of lease, but this is negotiable. On the other hand, if a buyer is not interested in changing cars, it’s best not to opt for the cars for lease.

It is safest to get a loan from a credit union or a financial institution instead of a local car salesman; they would definitely try to reach even a buyer’s bottom dollar. Getting information from someone whom can be trusted and expert about financing a car, for they will be able to give you tips at your own interest. Financing either a new or a second hand car is a lot of sweat, but the determination to get the best car at the best price can be considered a success.

This should be a win, win situation for anyone. After all it’s your money that is at stake here. Do your research and it can be a beneficial decision on your part.

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Guidelines in buying cars online

Posted Jan 21st, 2007 6:59AM by admin

The Web is a hassle free place to shop for cars. There are many advantages to shopping cars online. First, it greatly reduces the hassle of dealing with car dealers and salesmen. When buying a car online, you don’t have to listen to a dealer talk about the specs of a car. You just have to read all about it in a website. You don’t have to go to a showroom, you just to have to point and click your mouse and you could browse through different make and models of cars. And if you want to take a second look at a car it’s very easy.

The advantage of shopping for a car online is that all transactions can be done without you having to go out of your room. After ordering the car you want and paying the price, all you have to do is to wit for your brand new vehicle to be delivered to the nearest dealer. Some dealers would even deliver the car right at your doorstep (or garage for that matter).

There are basically two types of online car shopping website. One will only get you in touch with a real car seller. This means you have to transact the traditional way. Then there are websites that would take car of everything. Some websites would even deliver the car at your doorstep. Of course this would entail a bigger amount of service fee. And deliveries are made only to nearby areas.

But before you click and buy, you must first know exactly what kind of car you want. Determine the types of car you’re looking for and the price you are willing to pay for that car.

Below are some other tips on how to buy a car online.

1. The most important thing to do is to research. Don’t get too excited. Check on the different packages available.

2. Make sure that the Website you go to is secure and reliable. Most sites would let you browse by car type, by price range or both.

3. If you don’t want to make all transactions online then you could ask the dealer to meet you in person once you found him on the Internet. Upon meeting the dealer, negotiate with him as you would a normal car dealer and then sign the papers.

4. It’s not necessary to pin the model, year and male of the car you want to buy. Just a general picture would do. Determine how you will be using your new car and the reason why you are buying a car in the first place. Ask yourself what features are important to you. Do you give much ore importance to fuel efficiency than speed or vice versa? Are you more concerned about safety features than a good sound system? After you’ve done all these, it’s time to determine your budget. Just how much are you willing to spend for a vehicle?

5. Once you have decided on a brand and model car it would be prudent t6o check on the history of the particular car line. You can easily do this by consulting consumer magazines and websites. You could also check out the website of the cart’s manufacturer (e.g. Ford, Toyota, BMW, etc.)

6. If you cannot afford new models, there are websites hat sells used cars. Popular search engines usually have an automotive section so this is a good place to shop. If you don’t find one here you can try searching using the search string “used car.”

7. Check the background of the website of the online car dealer by clicking on the “about us” section of the site. It is advisable to buy only from websites which has detailed information about the vehicles they are selling. Ask if they have conducted inspections of each car in their lot through independent mechanics. If they have, then you’ll know that that website is a good place to shop for cars. Most manufacturers’ Web sites have detailed information on models, including available options, photos and MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price).

8. Read reviews about the different make, model and year of cars. A good website must also have reviews and ratings for the cars they are selling. But you should also cross check by visiting independent car sites or sites that do not sell cars or are connected to car companies to get a more objective review.

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“Take the extra mile: Fuel efficiency tips”

Posted Jan 18th, 2007 3:32AM by admin

Increases in the price of gas, accompany the increase in the number of fuel-saving scams.

Continuous increase in the price of gas is common news nowadays. This is accompanied by an upsurge in advertising exposures for “gas saving” gadgets. These products attract potential buyers searching for methods to maximize fuel efficiency.

There are important procedures car owners can take in consideration to improve gas mileage. According to the Better Business Bureau, the public should be critical in assessing products that claim gas saving features for vehicle devices or additives for gas and oil.

There are products that feature gas-saving features that really work. In addition to that, consumers could be facing a major engine trouble or a nullified creator’s warranty by putting devices to the engine.

Consumers should be wary of these specific advertising slogans: “20 percent fuel efficiency improvement”

A hundred or more devices that feature gas-saving qualities are proven untrue by the Environmental Protection Agency. Worse, there are so-called “gas-saving” devices that may cause a harmful effect to a vehicle’s engine.

Another side effect is more smoke emissions. Examples of these devices are Engine Modifiers, Additives, Fuel Line Gadgets, Liquid Injection, Vapor and Air Release Devices and a lot more.

“Get an additional 4 miles for each gallon with this product”

Consumer testimonials are common in fuel saving ads. Assuming these testimonials are not made up, few consumers test the fuel consumption of their vehicle before putting on the gadget. Therefore, an objective comparison of the fuel consumption before and after the product was added will not be attained.

“Federal Government Approved”

Keep in mind, a government agency never endorses fuel saving devices. Although EPA has assessed potential gas savings but first the product should be evaluated and tested.

The alternative in looking for gas-saving devices, the BBB suggests that the public should take into consideration doing more than one activity that can help conserve gas. The vital way to begin is to concentrate on the gas pump. The consumer should buy only gas as needed. Make sure to review the car manual to know the proper level of octane of the car.

The following are practical tips to conserve gas:

Efficient driving

Just drive reasonably within the speed limit. Remember that speeds of more than 60 miles per hour increase fuel consumption.

Do not do sudden starts, accelerations and stops. Acceleration should be done gradually. The gas pedal should not be stepped on more than one fourth of the way down. This will allow the engine to function most efficiently. Gas conservation could reach up to 5 percent if sudden stops, jerks and accelerations are avoided.

Make use of gears for overdrive and cruise control as needed. Fuel efficiency is attained when moving on the highway.

Windows should be closed on highways. Windows that are open can create air drag that can decrease the fuel consumption by 10%.

Rough roads should not be taken as much as possible. Dirt, bumps, rough roads and gravels can cause 30% increase in fuel consumption.

Take out unnecessary baggage. The trunk should be kept clean, any gadget, tools or loads that are not needed should be taken out. 100 pounds of extra baggage can affect fuel economy by two percent.

The car should always be maintained. The engine should be given a regular tune up, the tires should always have the right air pressure and efficiently aligned, the oil should be changed when needed and air filters replaced regularly. Clogged filters can affect gas consumption adversely by up to ten percent.

Turn off the engine whenever there is an opportunity. Idle engine wastes fuel. There are instances where the engine could be turned off; stopping for gas, waiting for someone, changing tire pressure, caught in traffic and a lot more.

Engine warm-up fuel conservation tips:

Lengthy warming up of the engine should be avoided. 30 to 45 seconds should be enough time.

Check if the automatic check is removed after warming up the engine. This is usually stuck which could usually cause poor gas and air combination.

Do not rev the engine. This is usually done before turning off the engine. This causes unnecessary fuel loss and also washes the oil within the cylinder walls. As an effect, there is air pressure loss and consequently fuel loss as well.

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Reasons for Buying a Car

Posted Jan 17th, 2007 2:58AM by admin

Besides the obvious reason, transportation, are there any other pressing reasons for buying a car? Perhaps it is a necessity like requiring inexpensive transportation to and from work. Or, maybe you are a “stay at home” Mom or Dad and need a vehicle to haul children around to school and various other activities. Regardless of your reason, make certain that purchasing the car is for a valid purpose and not just because you want to outdo “The Joneses.”

In this guide we will show you some of the pitfalls to avoid as well as information to make your selection much easier. The following are basic reasons you should consider when making that all important car purchase.

Is it a good buy?

The best time period to buy that car you have always dreamed of having is later in the month. Usually, there are numerous rebate programs and bonus offered by month’s end based on a dealer’s monthly sales quotas. The idea is that, sometimes dealers fall short of meeting their sales objectives. If their performance is assessed by the end of the month this can prove to be good news to most car buyers since dealers now have no choice but to sell vehicles at a price that is lower than their norm. They are pressed to make more sales that will count for their monthly sales and that puts you at an advantage as a buyer.

Peace of mind

Sometimes dealers do a song and dance routine just to make that sale. The result is that often car buyers end up with car features they realize later on they do not really need and a price they actually could not afford. You can avoid this potential stress by always remembering to trust your instincts. If ever you feel in doubt, the answer — don’t — do not let yourself be pressured to making that purchase now.

This is a common strategy of car dealers wherein they compel the customer to buy that car, now, this moment, today!

Do not forget that you should always sleep on it and then decide. This is a lot better than making your mind up now and forever holding your peace.

First Impression

To quote a common cliché, first impressions usually last. Though not always true, when buying cars, you could get many ideas just by observing how car sales people deal with you. Usually, these non-verbal signals are fairly correct enough enabling you to know what to expect from your car purchase.

If at any time you feel that the person selling you the car is not trustworthy or simply do not like him or her, always remember that you have the option to leave. It is advisable that you do not sell yourself too much. Time is precious, especially yours. So do not waste it. You are always free to politely walk away, anytime, anywhere, and in any way you like it. But if there are not many car dealers in your area, you may want to linger for a few moments more and wait until the negotiations you have with your dealer breaks down and you simply have no option but to run off.

The Invoice Price

Another thing to consider when buying a car is the invoice price. Make sure to ask that you see the invoice. If dealers are working their tails off against it, you have enough reason to believe that the car being offered is an unpleasant deal.

Usually, the price on the invoice is the cost the dealer paid the manufacturer for buying the car. This is before any rebates or incentives were included. Once this is known, only then will you have an idea as to how much the dealer could profit from each vehicle sold. Knowing this information could enable one to be more confident then in negotiating the price.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price

In layman’s term, this is commonly called the sticker price. This is the price one usually sees in the window of the car that is being sold.

Never ever consider paying the amount stated on the sticker price. This amount is just the starting point to your negotiations with the dealer.

Incentives

There are instances when manufacturers provide the dealers with a little something extra, like money, rebates or a bonus because they are able to sell cars that are either overstocked or undersold. Make sure that before actually purchasing a car, you were able to know if that car you are buying has some dealer incentives attached to it. If so, take off that amount from the car’s purchase price and have yourself a very good deal and hopefully, a very good car as well.

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Archive for January, 2007

5 Things You Should Know Before You Sign a Contract

CAR SERVICE CONTRACTS: FULL SERVICE OR FOOLISH SERVICE?

Test driving tips

"Key-Pointers When Buying a Second Hand Car"

Car Auctions 101

“Read the warranty, it will save some money.”

"Buying a Car? Tips about Financing"

Guidelines in buying cars online

“Take the extra mile: Fuel efficiency tips”

Reasons for Buying a Car