Avoid Car Dent Repair Costs in These 5 Ways

While it is inevitable that our cars get dings and dents from time to time, there are many ways to lessen the chances of car dents. It is important that we know exactly what the cause of our car dent was in order to avoid it in the future.

There are 5 common ways to avoid car dents, thereby, avoiding or decreasing car dent repair costs which can be very expensive sometimes.

1. Clean up your garage - if you are parking your car in your garage, make sure it is tidy enough. Sure, our garage often becomes our storage room sometimes, but if we love our car, the less clutter in the garage, the better.

2. Know how to park - let's just put it this way, if you do not know how to park, expect to bump into something from time to time. Be it a parking alley, or parking sign, or worst, another parked car.

3. Avoid parking in vulnerable places - this varies from different places but by vulnerable, it generally means places where your car is prone to vandalism or car bumps and kicks by antisocial, immature groups.

4. Park away from other vehicles - if you are not sure you can squeeze in your car in tight parking spaces, and you see a space quite far but you are sure you can park it without worries, and then by all means park it there. If this is what it takes to avoid unnecessary dents, do it.

5. Park beside cars that look well taken cared of - the rationale behind this is that if the owner of that car is able to maintain his car to look that good, then it would less likely be that he'd bump into your car while opening his doors because he's too careful himself.

But of course, no matter how careful we are, there will always be things beyond our control. If you face car dent repair problems and you do not want to spend too much, there are services you can avail of at a much cheaper price. No, I am not talking about repairing it yourself because obviously it will cost you lesser and is highly not recommended, but I am talking about mobile paintless dent repair companies who charge lesser than normal car repair shops, but produce the same quality of output. The good thing about these companies is that they come to you, instead of you coming to them.

Check out our review of Smart car repair specialists http://www.bestdentrepaircardiff.co.uk/index.html

Who are located in South Wales.Covering Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Bridgend and surrounding areas.

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Saving Money On The Pump

A recent report in the Financial Times predicted that the average price for a gallon of gasoline in the United States may soon reach $3.00 . . . that's the bad news! The good news is, skyrocketing gasoline prices have caused many Americans to start looking for ways to either cut back on the miles they drive or find ways to make their cars more fuel efficient. That's good news because these fuel-saving attempts and attitudes will help reduce the fuel emissions that regularly foul our atmosphere. The question remains, just what do we need to do to spend less on gas and reap the reward of cleaner air; a few tips follow:

Get your car in shape

A well maintained car will burn less gas than one that has been neglected:

1. Keep your tires properly inflated; check your car's user's manual or look for the sticker that gives you the recommended tire inflation pressure. If your tires need replacement, look for tires that are rated as LRR (Low Rolling Resistance). Proper tire inflation along with the LRR tires will be your biggest fuel savers.

2. Change your motor oil at the manufacturer's recommended intervals and be sure to use the recommended 'weight' (viscosity) motor oil. While changing your oil, change the oil filter and check the engine air filter -- the air filter may not need to be changed every time you change your oil but it should be checked every time.

3. When you buy gas, pay attention to the octane rating marked on the gas pump -- it should fall within the octane range recommended by your car's manufacturer.

4. Buy your car a 'tune up' at the manufacturer's recommended interval -- on modern cars a tune up is mainly replacing the spark plugs, checking the engine timing and checking the spark plug wires.

Drive smart

How, where and when you drive are equally important factors in your attempt to save gas money and keep the air clean:

1. Do you really need to drive? Every trip to the store does not require car keys; walking a couple blocks will not only save your gas money it will help keep you in good health. More than just a couple blocks? Dust off your bicycle (or buy one) for those trips that are not more than two or three miles. Also consider public transportation and car pooling to and from work as gas-saving alternatives to your ignition key. If telecommuting is an option for your job, take it!

2. If you do need to drive, plan your route! Sometimes the shortest route has the most traffic congestion so you are wise to take the longer, less-traveled route to save gas by not being stuck in slow traffic. If possible, arrange your work schedule to allow you to drive to and from work in less congested traffic.

3. Slow and steady wins the race.“ When pulling away from a stop light or stop sign, go easy on the gas pedal and gradually increase speed -- jackrabbit starts are really bad for fuel efficiency . . . sudden stops don't help either, if you find yourself jamming on the breaks, you are driving too aggressively -- slow down and 'mellow out'!. When you're finally on the highway, keep your speed at the posted speed limit and, if you have a cruise control use it.

Some other fuel saving tips

1. Don't spoil your car's aerodynamics by placing luggage or other things on top of your car.

2. Keep your car windows closed; in the summer air conditioning won't effect your gas mileage as much as open windows.

3. Travel as light as you can -- more weight in your car equals poorer gas mileage.

4. If you rent a car you'll be buying your own gas so rent the most fuel-efficient car available.

5. If you are ready to trade your car in for a new one, give serious consideration to a hybrid vehicle or at least a vehicle with the best gas mileage rating you can find.

Rising gas prices will probably be with us for quite a long time so take some of these tips to heart to save money and save our environment.

Don't Fall Victim to Auto Repair Fraud - Know Your Auto Repair Shop

Since most people depend on their vehicles for their everyday activities like getting to work and running errands, repairs must be done quickly and correctly. That is why car repair fraud can turn out to be a major problem. A case brought against a large automobile repair corporation for fraud prompted the National Association of Attorneys General, or NAAG, to develop an auto repair task force. This single case included 43 states and resulted in $200,000 being allocated towards reforming the auto repair industry.

A lot of people feel they are at the mercy of auto repair shops and whatever they choose to charge, because of the sophisticated equipment in most automobiles today. Even necessary engine repairs and major truck repairs may leave the consumer questioning whether the repairs were appropriate or whether they paid too much. Mechanics have been known to replace car parts with used ones instead of new ones, so be sure to check everything carefully.

Resources like the Better Business Bureau can help people determine the auto repair shops that have received the fewest complaints, as well as those with the most compliments. Ask family and friends about car repair shops; this is the best way to find a good repairman.

When you are dealing with someone who will be repairing your car, be sure you completely comprehend any work that needs to be done. Ask questions if you do not understand something. Whenever you are having engine repairs done, get your estimate in writing. You should authorize all repairs before they are performed; be sure they understand this.

Your concerns about auto repairs may be appropriate since the National Highway Safety Administration estimates that consumers pay billions of dollars each year towards fraudulent automotive repairs. Some places even make unnecessary repairs or charge inflated repair costs to their customers, taking advantage of car owners. Think about asking the mechanic to save the used car parts from your vehicle for you when the repairs are done. Even though there is no guarantee that you will not be a victim of deception, appearing knowledgeable will hopefully make them think twice about any fraudulent work.

As a retired mechanic, Joe Drizcoll appreciates good, honest work. That's why he recommends AAMCO, an Orange County auto repair shop to all his friends. Joe can count on their La Habra brakes, transmission, and auto repair mechanics to do quality work at a reasonable price every time.

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The History Of The Mini Cooper

It's one of the most iconic cars in the world, but how did the Mini Cooper come to fruition? The inventor of the Mini, Sir Alec Issigonis, had always intended on the Mini being the car for the everyman, but his good friend John Cooper, who owned the Cooper Car Company specialising in Formula 1 and rally car design, had the foresight to see that the Mini would be suited to motorsport so Cooper approached Issigonis with his ideas, but Issigonis was reluctant as he had never intended his brain child for racing.

Cooper was determined to have his way so approached BMC, they approved and commissioned the idea and the rest is history... The first Mini Cooper's stuck to Issigonis's model of being a small and economic car, but with that extra poke up the backside which it into one of the most popular sports cars in history.

After the Mini Cooper became so popular since hitting the market in 1961, two years later Cooper designed a more powerful Cooper, the Mini Cooper S, which won the Monte Carlo Rally three times between 1964-67 which added to the acclaim of the little hot hatch.

Through the years various different models of the Mini Cooper have been produced as the motoring trade evolved along with innovations in mechanical engineering, design and technology. And of course the Mini Cooper became a British icon, synonymous with British cinema following the Italian Job and was also incredibly popular with some of the world's most famous celebrities including John Lennon and Steve McQueen.

By the millennium, Rover had encountered financial problems and the Mini line was completely taken over by BMW, with Rover's other Marques, MG and Land Rover being sold to Pheonix and Ford respectively. The Mini Cooper continued to be produced by Rover on a temporary basis until the last ever Mini Cooper was produced on October 4 2000 - a red Cooper Sport - which was presented to the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust.

The Mini Cooper was no longer. The Mini Cooper is dead, long live the MINI Cooper. Of course BMW had plans to revamp the Mini, now known as 'MINI', and the Cooper was to be dragged into the new millennium in style.

The MINI Cooper is mechanically and technically unrelated to the original Cooper but bears distinct aesthetic similarities as well as some mechanical ones including front-wheel drive and the transverse four cylinder engine model.

The new Cooper and Cooper S became instant successes, escalated by the remake of the classic film, The Italian Job, which paid homage to the original film and featured three super charged Cooper S's which got the juices flowing of car enthusiast across the globe.

Of course there were purists who did not agree with BMW discounting production of the 'old' Mini and those who criticised the MINI as being a small BMW with no soul or character, but you only have to look at the numbers to see what a success the MINI, and in particular the MINI Cooper has been.

After only six years of production at MINI's Oxford plant, the one millionth MINI was produced, and it remains one of the most prudent cars you can buy as it depreciates at a considerably lesser rate than many other cars.

John Cooper was right to follow his heart and bypass his friend Issigonis in order to push through the production of what is today an iconic motor car.

Author Resource:-> Shaun Parker is a motoring expert with many years of experience in the motor industry. Find out more about MINI Cooper at http://www.coopermini.co.uk

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Hybrid vehicles- Technology for Tomorrow

Men have been invented new technologies time by time. It is said that “Necessity is the mother of invention”. The inventions helped men for growing easily and in the routine works of the man. When men needed something to be changed and they changed the things. When something was not appropriate for the man then men changed them. The new changes are said to be inventions.

The vehicles are used by men since many decades. Men have been using petrol and diesel since many years. By the time, men knew that the use of petrol and diesel and other crude items is dangerous for the environment. So a new change has occurred. Men have now invented hybrid vehicles that can run on alternative energy sources such as gas or electricity or solar energy. These vehicles are said to be hybrid vehicles. In this article we will discuss about working, types, and advantages of the hybrid vehicles and hybrid cars.

Hybrid vehicles are the vehicles that can run using more than one fuel system. A gas-electric hybrid vehicle runs on both gas and electricity. There are vehicles that can run on petrol and electricity. They can work on either of the two fuels. There are many types of hybrid cars: electrical cars, solar cars, natural gas, gas cars, etc. The electric cars are said to be battery electricity vehicles. They are also environment-friendly vehicles. Petrol and diesel which are traditional sources of energy, produces a lot of air pollution. Let us talk about the working of an electric car. In an electrical car, there is a engine that combine a gas engine and an electric motor. And it assists a car as it performs certain actions such as when it gets speed, when it slows down from the speed and when it stops. The hybrid engine is responsible for the less amount of gas is used and car can run at its optimum level of efficiency. The fuel tank supplies the gas to the engine transmission system and in the end the transmission system turns the wheels. The motor gets the power from the batteries. It also turns the transmission and the transmission turns the wheels.

The amount of electricity that goes into the motor is controlled to drive the vehicle by the controller. The hybrid car keeps the emissions of the carbon dioxide down, keeps pollution at low level and keep our environment clean. Solar cars convert solar energy into electricity. In the place of battery, the electricity can also be generated from other sources like nuclear, natural gas, coal and petroleum.

There are a lot of advantages of the electrical cars. Firstly, they do not pollute the environment. And probably this is the reason why the hybrid cars being popular world wide. Another good example of the advantages of the hybrid electric car is that it can easily be charged. Just to insert the plug in the electric socket and let it be charged. It is also cutting cost of petrol. The electrical cars are easy to ride for ladies and aged persons.

There are many leading car companies who have made electrical cars and have launched in market for sell.

Author Resource:-> Get complete experience of Electrical

Cars and Electrical Photos at our website. Visit our web site for more information

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Occupant Classification Systems Enhance Airbag Effectiveness

Imagine walking into a clothing retailer and finding that all of the clothes on the racks are the same size. Unless that size happened to be yours, this would not be a good thing. Now imagine going next door to another clothier to find the same scenario. This example may be somewhat extreme, but it's essentially the scenario we faced as a driver or passenger of a vehicle with airbags prior to 2004.

Airbags became required equipment on all U.S. automobiles in the 1990s, and there has been much documentation regarding their effectiveness in reducing driver and passenger fatalities. Statistics show a significant reduction in driver and passenger fatalities has resulted from the added safety afforded by airbags in a collision. But at the same time, traditional airbags have been shown to be dangerous to small children when deployed at full force.

Like your clothing store, one-size-fits-all is not the best application for effective airbag safety and is one of the main motivators in the development of Occupant Classification Systems. An Occupant Classification Systems (OCS) can use various kinds of sensors to detect the size and/or position of an occupant in a passenger seat. An OCS eliminates the need for manual on/off switches for airbags found in many cars and trucks in the early 2000s because they use sophisticated computer technology to identify whether an adult or a child is in the seat.

Occupant Classification Systems are a great example of the kind of "smart" technology that is increasingly finding its way into our vehicles. An OCS senses the passenger's size, if a seat belt is being used, and even the location of the seat (pushed forward or pulled back). Some systems can distinguish an empty seat from a seat holding a book bag, child seat or even a small adult from a large adult. And by using dual- or variable-stage airbags, the force adapted to help protect the occupant.

There are many benefits to having an occupant classification system and "smart" airbags in your car. They pose less of a threat to children and small adults, and they allow drivers more options for seating their passengers. Once the onboard computer knows the passenger's size and seating location, the car's dual or variable-stage airbags come into play. The size of the occupant in the passenger's seat will determine the type of airbag deployment. Dual-stage airbags can deploy at full force, partial force or not at all depending upon the inputs they receive. Variable-stage airbags have even more deployment force settings. Preventing an airbag from deploying at full force can greatly reduce, or even eliminate, the possibility of injuring a smaller passenger.

A very popular OCS is made by Delphi. The system is comprised of a pressure sensor, a silicone-filled "bladder" in the seat and an electronic control unit (ECU). When someone sits in the seat, the pressure sensor sends applied force to the ECU. The ECU then sends that data to the airbag, which has its own control unit. Based on this information, the vehicle's computer turns the passenger airbag on or off and regulates it force.

Historically, the most common way of detecting an occupant in a seat is with weight or pressure sensors, but new technologies are being developed. Capacitive systems measure the amount of electrical coupling found in the seat. Some experimental systems take optical images of passengers to determine whether a child or adult is sitting in the seat and use that information to turn the airbags on or off accordingly. Others go so far as to detect physiological factors like respiration and heartbeats of passengers to tell the airbags what to do. And even though vehicles equipped with occupant classification systems significantly reduce risks, it's always safest to keep small children in the back seat according to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control) research.

Delphi Corporation is a leading innovator of automobile safety equipment and technology. To learn about Delphi's safety advancements, visit www.Delphi.com/4safe.

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Maintaining A Long Term Relationship With Your Car

When a car lease is up after two or three years, many vehicle owners simply turn around and lease a new one. Rarely do they renew, or buy it out. Many dealerships offer deals too good to pass up, such as low or non-existent interest rates, in order to encourage a new lease. After all, there's an eager market for young, slightly used sets of wheels.

Even folks who have purchased their cars outright, routinely trade every three, four, or five years. The idea is that the cost of maintenance will start to escalate as the vehicle ages.

A survey published online in 2007, by an organization called Consumer Reports, discovered over six thousand readers who had kept their vehicle for 200,000 miles or more. Some of the vehicles that had achieved impressive totals included a 1994 Ford Ranger pickup truck with 488,000 miles, a 1990 Lexus LS400 with 332,00 miles and 1995 Honda Civic with 227,00 miles.

The organization calculated that purchasing and maintaining a vehicle for 15 years, with estimated mileage of 225,000, when compared to the buying and finance charges of the same vehicle every five years, that savings greater than the original purchase cost could be realized. All costs were factored in, including depreciation and insurance.

Of course, not every vehicle is a good candidate for owners who hope to attain the 200,000 mile club. In general, a couple of Honda models, two types of Lexus, and more than three Toyota makes, earn good grades on the longevity report card.

Unfortunately there are lots of seemingly fine vehicles that do not make the grade at all. We won't go into the exact models here, you can do your own research online. Surprisingly some models of these well known manufacturers get the thumbs down, Volvo, Nissan, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes, and Infiniti.

It is obvious then, that to play the long term relationship game you must first purchase the right vehicle, and then follow very explicit rules.

Find and read consumer reports that offer safety and reliability results for test trials that have been sponsored by government and the insurance industry. Make sure that the car you buy has electronic stability control and curtain air bags. Safety and reliability are paramount.

Be sure and follow the maintenance schedule found in your owner's manual. Don't skip oil changes, and make any repairs promptly. Missed oil changes can lead to premature engine damage and wear.

Don't be tempted to skimp on cheap or incorrect parts or fluids. Use only the oil and transmission brands that meet the manufacturer's specifications. There are good reasons that particular types are recommended.

Learn to be vigilant and proactive. Get in the habit or lifting the hood and actually viewing the working innards of your vehicle. If you enjoyed playing doctor when you were a kid, then this is a chance to extend the thrill. Study for your degree by purchasing a service manual. They are available at dealerships, auto part stores, and online. If you discover a cracked belt, or bulging hose, repair it right away.

Keep your pride and joy looking like it just stepped out of the showroom. Wash, wax and buff the exterior to keep the paint in tip top shape and the metal underneath from rusting. Make use of those high powered vacuum cleaners available at your local car wash to suck up dirt and grit from the carpets and upholstery.

Go ahead, strive for the 200,000 club. Head for your computer, do your research, and find a really good auto maintenance repair shop. Make friends with the folks there. Together you can achieve your goal of carefree driving. Happy trails!

Author Resource:-> Finding accurate auto repair information can be difficult due to the wide variety of vehicles on the road today and the vast differences between them. You can find helpful auto repair information at AutoRepair-Info.com

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Car Insurance Tips

Our first tip is do not be lured into paying for your car insurance monthly. Although it seems cheaper or more manageable, it's not. Typically, you will be charged around 24% interest, thereby adding £50 to the average car insurance cost. Just over 50 per cent of the 26 million insured drivers in Britain pay monthly, and cumulatively this means £624 million is being handed to the insurance industry in unnecessary payments. Even if you pay on your credit card, taking two or three months to pay it off, it will still be more economical than spreading it over a year at 24% interest.

Secondly, don't automatically accept a renewal quote, even if you have a substantial no-claims bonus. There is no such thing as customer loyalty in the insurance industry. Every one of the big companies target new clients by offering big discounts, some offering half price deals compared to those for existing customers for exactly the same level of cover. Try applying as a new customer to your existing insurer; you'll soon see how much the difference is.

Thirdly, try not to make a claim on small amounts up to £500 because you'll only have pay a higher premium the year after when your policy is up for renewal . In some cases an insurer may not cover you at all if you have made too many claims.

Fourthly, set your level of excess at as high a level as you can afford. This can also bring your premium down significantly.

Fifthly, the majority of people don't realise how job titles can affect insurance premiums. Some occupations are not well thought of by insurers - journalists, estate agents and sales reps to name but a few. You may be able to reduce your premium by being more accurate about you job title. A journalist for example may pay £600 but a news editor only £576. You must, however, tell the truth. Any inaccurate or none disclosed information would invalidate any claims you make.

Sixthly, security devices can also reduce your insurance premiums. Some companies that fit car security devices can calculate for you how their car security products like vehicle tracking will affect you premium if you have them fitted.

Next, avoid customizing or modifying your car because around half of all insurers will not provide insurance cover and any that do will certainly charge more. Don't pimp your ride if you want to keep the cost down.

Another temptation is for young drivers to reduce their premiums by supplying details of their parents' address in a rural area rather than putting down their correct city based address. Always provide an accurate address. If insurers finds you providing another address to qualify for a lower premium you can be black listed and it will also completely invalidate your claim.

Finally, try adding another driver with a good driving history to your policy. For some reason, adding an experienced driver onto your policy can actually lower the total premium.

The Car Info store provides great deals on Car Insurance for its clients in the uk. Please visit our site for helpful information to aid you in making the right decision, first time.

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