4 Reasons You Should Avoid Parking Under Trees

In these hot summer months, the temptation to search for shade in which to park is very high, especially if you have leather interior. Nobody enjoys the feeling of leaving a restaurant or returning to their car from running errands and then hopping in a scorching seat. To top it off, you have to sit in the sun while your car cools down because your steering wheel is as hot as a stove top! Everybody appreciates a chance at avoiding this discomfort. Unfortunately, parking under trees is not a solution. While you can certainly park your car in the shade of a distant tree or nearby building, there are numerous reasons why you should never park your car directly under a tree, no matter if it is in your driveway or a parking lot. Here are the top 4 reasons to stay away from trees, no matter how shady they are: 1. Bird droppings are no fun. If you are like most people, you do not appreciate seeing a smear of droppings across your windshield or around your door. It almost seems as if birds do this on purpose, especially if your car is new or has just been washed and waxed. Not only are these gifts from above unsightly and gross, especially if they land on your door handles, they can also be harmful to your vehicle. Bird droppings can fade and chip paint over time, leaving stains that never go away, no matter how hard these areas are scrubbed. It is recommended that you wash off bird droppings as soon as possible. Parking under a tree invites feathered fiends--which love resting and nesting in trees, of course--to turn your car into a toilet. 2. When bad weather strikes, you should feel lucky to be indoors. You can be safe and dry inside a building and leave your car unattended in the storm. The most common case of foul weather, light rain, is no big deal to your vehicle. However, if you are parked under a tree, even the slightest winds and rain can lead to a major problem for your car. Loose branches and sticks can easily fall onto it, scratching your paint job or even damaging your glass. If the weather gets very intense, the entire tree could fall on your vehicle. A windshield replacement is simple and affordable enough, but what do you do when your entire roof or hood is smashed in? 3. The only perk to parking under a tree is its shade. However, there are simple solutions to beating the hot sun. You can have your windows tinted, replace them with pre-tinted glass, or put up a simple sun visor. These things might seem like relics from the 80s and 90s but they are still perfectly effective at bouncing sunlight away from your car, which keeps it cool. 4. Not only do birds love leaving their droppings on cars, but they will also love standing on your car. Trees do not only attract birds. Cats may venture by for a hunt and climb atop your vehicle with their dirty paws and sharp claws. Squirrels, mice, raccoons and other small animals may also climb onto your vehicle, eat atop it, and leave nutshells, dirt, and stray hairs behind as they participate in the little ecosystem around the tree. Heaven forbid one of these larger animals should urinate or leave droppings on your car. While many of these problems seem unlikely, you could also say that car accidents are unlikely. Everyone knows, though, that when it comes to your vehicle and safety, you should do everything you can to prevent damage. Avoid parking under trees to minimize these risks.

Getting Your Vehicle Ready For Summer!

Summer's heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic, will take their toll on your vehicle. Add the effects of last winter, and you could be poised for a breakdown. You can lessen the odds of mechanical failure through periodic maintenance...Your vehicle should last longer and command a higher resale price, too!

Some of the following tips are easy to do; others require a skilled auto technician.

• Air Conditioning

  A marginally operating system will fail in hot weather. Have the system examined by a qualified technician. Newer models have cabin air filters that clean the air entering the heating and air conditioning system. Check your owner's manual for location and replacement interval

• Cooling System

  The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is usually recommended.) DIYers, never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a pro.

• Oil

  Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage, or tow a trailer.

• Engine Performance

  Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended more often in dusty conditions. Get engine drive-ability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.

• Windshield Wipers

  A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent.

• Lights

  Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean dirt and insects from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.

• Tires

  Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; check them while they're cold before driving for any distance. Don't forget to check your spare as well and be sure the jack is in good condition. Examine tires for tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. An alignment is warranted if there's uneven tread wear or if your vehicle pulls to one side.

• Brakes

  Brakes should be inspected as recommended in your manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, grabbing, noises, or longer stopping distance. Minor brake problems should be corrected promptly.

• Battery

  Batteries can fail any time of year. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check the fluid level monthly.Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.

• Emergencies

  Carry some basic tools — ask a technician for suggestions. Also include a first aid kit, flares, and a flashlight.

Going Green is Easy!

Motorists can do their part to help the environment by practicing a few 'earth-friendly' car care habits, note the experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It all comes down to timely vehicle maintenance and non-aggressive driving.

Here are specific suggestions from ASE:

• Slow down. Speeding and hard accelerations waste gasoline. Use cruise-control on highways to maintain a steady pace. When waiting for friends or family, shut off the engine. Consolidate daily errands.
• Lighten up. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle to reduce weight.
• Don't pollute. Dispose of used motor oil, antifreeze/coolant, and old batteries properly. Some repair facilities accept these items. Or call your local government. Keep the engine running at its peak-a misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30%. Replace filters and fluids as recommended by the owner's manual.
• Get pumped. Keep the tires properly inflated and aligned. Under-inflated tires waste fuel by forcing the vehicle's engine to work harder. Moreover, properly maintained tires last longer, saving you money and lessening the burden at landfills.
• Know your limitations. If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, find a good technician. Ask friends for recommendations. Check the reputation of the repair shop with your local consumer group. Check out the technicians' credentials. ASE-certified professionals have passed one or more national exams in specialties such as engine performance and air conditioning.
• Don't try this at home. Your car's air conditioner should be serviced only by a technician certified to handle and recycle refrigerants. The air conditioners in older vehicles contain ozone-depleting chemicals, which can be released into the atmosphere through improper service.
• Instant karma. In addition to helping the environment, routine maintenance will help your vehicle last longer, get better gas mileage, and command a higher resale price. Pretty cool.

Watch a Chevy Silverado 2500HD Drift - Because Why Not? | Used Car Truck & Luxury Dealer

While there is no doubt the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD WT is a capable work horse, some owners have more ambition for their pickup. In this video, one owner drifts his Silverado 2500HD work truck around an oval track during a pickup truck race. According to the video description, the truck is equipped with a 6.0-liter Vortec V-8, though this generation could also be had with the larger 8.1-liter engine. Either way, this Silverado 2500HD -- equipped with a bed rack -- effortlessly breaks the rear tires loose as the driver drifts around the track in a (mostly) controlled manner. While the driver does spin out more than a few times, at one point he does overtake a Ram pickup by drifting on the inside of the turn.

Watch a Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD WT drift around an oval track on the video below.

5 steps to get the best car finance with bad credit | Used Car Truck & Luxury Car Dealer

Finding a fair deal on car finance with bad credit isn’t like searching for a needle in a field full of haystacks. There is a logical order to things sometimes. Finding good bad credit car loans might take a bit longer but it’s entirely possible – and worth it. Just keep in mind that bad credit car loans will usually attract higher interest rates than “regular” or mainstream car loans. Bill T from https://www.badcreditcarloans.com.au explains some of the steps you can take towards getting the best car finance. If you follow these steps, you could find a deal that will eventually reduce your debts in the long term.

1. Do your homework

Currently, you’re likely only about two or three steps away from something that can search the internet at any given time. Having that in mind, you can research bad credit car loan options using your computer, phone or tablet. Find as many brokers and financiers as possible and see what they offer. See which sites offer no-obligation quotes to get an idea of what you’ll pay.

2. Ignore the “zero percent” and “one percent” dealer finance offers

You might be tempted to take the “zero percent” finance or “low rate” finance offers that car dealers often peddle. Don’t fall for them! These “deals” have many hidden traps. You might not be able to negotiate the price and end up paying a lot more than you bargained for. If you want to get back into good credit, don’t take the “easy way out” – it often isn’t.

3. Check your credit history

This step is crucial – check your credit history so you are better prepared when you eventually settle on a broker. Your credit history is the first aspect your chosen financier will assess when figuring out your eligibility for a loan. Your credit history might have errors in it. It’s your responsibility to fix them if they occur. This could improve your credit standing.

4. Set a reasonable budget – and stick to it

Once you have a couple of brokers or lenders that you’re comfortable with, it’s time to go car shopping. Keep in mind that lenders see people with bad credit as higher risks. It’s worth your while to budget conservatively. If possible, you should provide rough estimates to your lender, showing you can comfortably take on a large debt such as a car loan.

5. Do your homework round 2: researching your lender

So you’ve picked a lender or two and you’re ready to apply. Before you do, check out your lender a bit more closely. Do they have positive user reviews on sites like WOMO.com.au? Have they been around in the industry for a reasonable amount of time? Do they have a current Australian Credit Licence? You can check using the ASIC website. You can never be too careful!

5 Windshield Repair Myths

Small Windshield Chips Are Safe and Won't Crack

Research shows that 7 out of 10 chips in a windshield will eventually crack. This means that the problem went from something that could simply be repaired turned into something that needed to be completely replaced. A windshield that is chipped immediately becomes weaker and is at risk for becoming more damaged. Car owners should be aware of any small windshield chips that exist on their vehicle and repair them before they worsen.

All Chips in Your Windshield Require a Full Replacement

While windshield chips can cause a lot of problems in the future if they are not repaired, they do not require a full replacement. Chips in a windshield are actually very simple to repair and if done right, one would never know the window was ever chipped. A windshield only requires a full replacement by a windshield repair company if it is cracked or when a chip turns into a crack that is larger than a quarter. If a crack is the size of a quarter or smaller, it may be able to be repaired instead of replacing the whole windshield.

Do-It-Yourself Repair Kits Are Good Enough

Taking the cheap way out and using a do-it-yourself kit is going to have cheap did-it-yourself results. Many windshield repair companies will not repair a window that has already been experimented on with a repair kit. Going straight to a professional will save more money in the long run and will ensure that the job is done well. Do not make the mistake of using a kit to substitute a real repair. Companies that make and distribute repair kits will market that their products work just as well as a professional repair job, but remember that they are a business trying to sell a product. Do not fall for it.

Chip Repairs Must Be Paid for Out of Pocket

Usually, vehicle owners will not have to pay for the entire chip repair on their own. Paying for a chip repair is much cheaper than replacing the windshield. Insurance companies are aware of this, so they will often waive the deductible on the chip repair. In the case of the entire windshield being repaired, a car owner will most likely have to pay the deductible themselves. In addition, windshield repair professionals often offer warranties and other benefits to their clients.

All Chips Are the Same 

Most people do not know that all windshield chips are categorized into 6 different types and are treated accordingly. These are combo break, bee's wing, star break, bull's eye, clover leaf, and half-moon. A professional can determine what kind of chip is in a windshield. Each kind of chip will spread differently. Some types will spread faster than others. Knowing what type of chip it is plays a part in the repair process, which is another reason to have a windshield repaired by a professional rather than with an at-home repair kit. 

5 Automotive Mobile Devices Ideal for Teenage Drivers

Many parents worry when their teens start to drive. Distracted driving, inexperience and simple carelessness are all reasons for parents to be concerned. The added distraction of a cellphone and all its available functions bring even more reasons to worry.

While it would be great if parents could keep a watchful eye every time a teenager is behind the wheel, it’s just not possible. In this age of technology, can parents have more peace of mind when their newly licensed teenage driver is on the road?

“Parents can make use of vehicle monitoring devices,” says Chris Kersting, president and CEO of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). The trade association represents the $33 billion automotive specialty equipment industry that includes thousands of products that are available to enhance a vehicle’s styling, performance, comfort and convenience. “These devices can help relieve some parents’ anxieties about their teen driver and can even improve teen driving habits.”

Here are some devices to consider for anyone who wants to keep tabs on teenagers behind the wheel.

Bluetooth

While you don’t want your teen texting while driving, it’s equally as important to make sure that he’s not talking with his phone glued to his ear. A vehicle with Bluetooth capabilities will ensure a safer hands-free experience – not to mention you can call him knowing he can answer you without taking his hands off the wheel or his eyes off the road. Choices range from a standalone universal Bluetooth kit, FM transmitters or a new Bluetooth-enabled car stereo system.

GPS tracker

You can easily track a vehicle’s movement using a GPS tracker. These handy devices can be mounted in any car, sometimes using only a magnet, and will report back to your computer or smartphone. Advanced features include alerts letting you know if your teenager is driving out of a pre-designated area. Trackers typically require a monthly subscription service fee.

Plug-in diagnostic port adapters

Plug-in diagnostic port adapters plug into your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic port (OBDII). The OBDII connects to the car’s brain and when accessed, can provide a plethora of information on how the car is being driven. Every car sold after Jan. 1, 1996 was required to have an OBDII port, so most vehicles on the road today include this port. Numerous plug-in adapters are available to monitor driving habits and gather reports, including speed monitoring, harsh braking, location displays and more. Most adapters also require a service subscription in order to provide text or email alerts on activities you wish to monitor.

Hardwired telematics systems

A hardwired vehicle tracking system eliminates the possibility of your teenager finding and removing the diagnostic port adapter. Hardwired systems also provide real-time information and can pinpoint locations more accurately than a plug-in unit. These systems provide the same features such as speed tracking and notifications when your teen exceeds speed thresholds, and have built-in motion sensors to detect rapid acceleration or rapid starts. When real-time information is important, a hardwired system, while more costly and time consuming up-front, has real advantages.

Cellphone blockers

Some aftermarket products available today can actually block cellphone usage when your teenager is driving, going a step beyond vehicle tracking or telematics. These cellphone blockers can be configured to block numerous phone capabilities, including texting while driving, taking photos and using applications. It can even block all incoming and outgoing phone calls, except from numbers you specify (i.e. mom and dad). Like a plug-in or hardwired telematics system, cellphone blockers connect to the vehicle’s telematics system. Along with blocking the most distracting functions of a phone, cellphone blockers also monitor and report speeding, driving habits and provide location identification.