Owning a Car: What Newbies Need to Know

  • STOP! Putting The Brakes On Two Cold Weather Brake Issues

    23 February 2015

    Whether your ABS light has started to flicker or you are hearing the telltale sound of squealing when the rotors turn, brake problems are usually pretty easy to diagnose. What you may not know is that just like many other components in your vehicle, the brakes can be dramatically impacted by cold weather. When the temperature starts to drop, make sure you take some time to familiarize yourself with common cold weather brake problems that you could be facing before it is all said and done.

  • Self Pay Vs. Insurance Pay

    10 February 2015

    Paying for automotive collision repair can cause even the toughest among us to sweat. Insurance deductibles can be burdensome, and are nothing when compared to the increase in premiums any policy-holder faces after reporting an accident they are liable for. On the flip side of the coin collision repair isn't inexpensive, and paying out of pocket can be difficult too. What does one do? Self pay, or file an insurance claim?

  • 4 Things To Get Checked When You Get Your Oil Changed

    5 February 2015

    An oil change is arguably your most common maintenance operation, and it is for that reason that you should take this opportunity to get some other aspects of your car checked out as well. It doesn't have to be a separate appointment to check other parts of your car in order to make sure it's running perfectly, and this step can save you hundreds down the line in other repair charges.

  • 3 Ways To Make Money Off A Broken Down Car

    29 January 2015

    Do you have a broken down car that's beyond repair? Do you want to get rid of it, but at least get some value out of it? The car may have little or no trade-in value at a dealer, but that doesn't mean it's completely worthless. There are plenty of ways to get some value out of it. You just have to spend a little time doing some research and preparation.

  • Vacation In An RV? 3 Ways To Prepare For An Unfortunate Breakdown

    23 January 2015

    With more than 16,000 scenic RV parks in America, there's no wonder why many families choose to rent or purchase an RV and go on a vacation across the country. While most families only experience joy and excitement on their trip, a few unfortunate families break down and find themselves stranded on the side of the road. If this happens to you, your roadside assistance insurance company will contact a local heavy towing company and have your RV towed to the nearest garage.

  • Three Oil Change Myths You Need To Know About

    20 January 2015

    Whether your vehicle is brand new or several decades old, you have to deal with oil changes. You may have always approached oil changes based upon what you were taught years ago, or what you saw your parents do. However, yesterday's oil change rules are no longer necessarily true. In fact, there are several very pervasive myths regarding oil changes today. Be aware of what your vehicle really needs by knowing the three most common oil change myths today!

  • 2 Semi-truck Accessories That Can Make Long Haul Drives More Comfortable

    16 January 2015

    Long haul semi truck driving is a very lucrative career, but it can also be quite uncomfortable without the right accessories. Accessories for a semi truck can range from entertainment systems to cooking devices. Two truck accessories to make long haul drives more comfortable are replacement seats and upgraded bedding. Replacement Seats Having comfortable seats when you are going to be spending multiple days in a row driving all day is absolutely vital in order to make sure that you stay pain-free and alert.

  • How To Flush The Radiator Of A Semi Truck

    13 January 2015

    Regular flushing of your radiator on your semi truck helps keeps your vehicle running well and extends the life of the engine. Radiators that aren't flushed can become loaded with corrosives and contaminants that can damage the engine, heater core, and head gaskets. You should flush your radiator about every six months - depending on how much you use your vehicle (check your owner's manual to see what the manufacturer recommends).

  • Is There Really Such A Thing As A Free VIN History Report?

    7 January 2015

    Everybody knows that before you purchase a used car, you should research the VIN history on the car to see how well its previous owners maintained it, whether it has ever been in an accident, and what sort of mileage is on the car. However, you usually have to pay for a complete VIN report that offers all the information associated with the car you are interested in, and these reports can be rather expensive.

  • How To Get Out Of A Snow Drift

    5 January 2015

    Driving in the snow is always dangerous, but there are some times when you need to pick up something and it doesn't seem that bad when you leave the house. If you are driving in the snow and find yourself caught in a snowdrift, don't panic. There are ways to get out of the mound of snow, even in a snowstorm. Here are some tips for getting out of snowdrift safely and back home where it is warm.