5 Things Women Should Know About Their Car

There are at least five (5) general things that women should know and check on their vehicles, before driving and before a problem arrived.

To women, “car matters” are not interesting things especially because their reason is certainly they are uncomfortable to taint their hands, and the bigger reason is lack of knowledge of car maintenance. All are handed over to the men although some of the things are also not known by men.

So what are the five things? Here they are:

1. Fuel (Petrol / Diesel / NGV)A fuel nozzle.

This is the basic point, needless to think. Even those people who do not own a car knew that fuel must be filled for the car to move. But believe me; I know lots of women who never filled the oil into their own tank and even do not know how. My own friend’s wife, according to him, for more than 10 years, he filled the oil full into his wife’s car tank one day before working day started for her use and one week of work. That what happens every week.

Many private vehicles in my country (Malaysia) use petrol but there are also that use diesel and NGV. Make sure of the right fuel. And make sure that you identify the right fuel pump machine at service station.

Remember, it is important that you know how to open the tank cover and pump the oil into it. May be your one day you are forced to pour oil by your own. Don’t let your car runs out of gas in the middle of the street.

2. Water in Radiator Tank

Opened hood of a car, showing the radiator of the car.Open your car hood. Usually hoist switch (hood opener) is under the dashboard on the driver side.

Check before car is started, if not you will scald your hand. Make sure there is enough water. Otherwise, just add tap water.

If you often send car for services, radiator water checking is a basic thing that must be done. Nevertheless, you also have to know to check it on your own; in case there is leakage which caused the water level in radiator to be inadequate. So it is good to check the radiator water at least once a week.

3. Engine Oil, Transmission Oil and Brake Oil

Checking an engine oil level of a car.These are vital. Without enough engine oil, engine may become hot and this will damage the engine. Not enough transmission oil may result an immovable car and not enough brake oil may endanger your life because the vehicle cannot be stopped.

For a quite aged car, make sure you check with more often. Even though you may have sent the vehicle for services in each 3 month or each 5,000 km, do not wait up to you new service time and hope the mechanic to check. At least you must know either its oil is enough or not. Engine oil, transmission oil or brake oil that runs out or ebb quite suddenly may signify there are leaks. This are reasons that such examinations are important, and this would be vital for your own safety.

4. Tyre

A car tyre.You know how to change a tyre? Even though you may not need to change a tyre on your own because you have a car service card or you have a husband who will always helps you or friends who could help, it is good if you yourself know how to change a tyre.

Also make sure the right tyre pressure for your car tyres. Learn how to check tyre pressure and how to pump tyre when necessary.

Knowing basic matters on car as such can make a woman feels more confident and safer when driving.

5. Insurance and Road Tax

Cars on road.Before setting forth for your destination make sure your car insurance and your road tax still valid and legal. Look on your windscreen, does your road is tax still not yet ended? In case it already almost to expire; you can start your insurance renewal and your road tax renewal process. Road tax is renewable as early as two month before its expiry date.

Insurance and road tax are compulsory to enable a vehicle is validly used on road. The matter is only done once a year. Some peoples took leave solely to manage road tax and insurance renewal. Get new insurance from the insurance company, and then go to bank to pay road tax and in the evening go again to bank to collect back the road tax which has been completed.

Now everything you can hand on to insurance company on their website to deal. It is really easy, insurance and road tax can be done at once. Usually within only two working days, road tax already arrived to hand, either in office or at home. No need trouble yourself anymore.

29-03-2009 by Sorli

category: Auto Things

Tips On Buying Used Car

Used car for sale.
To help you stay on the road to safety and savings the next time you buy a used car, the Federal Trade Commission offers this advice:

  • Before shopping for a car, think about your driving habits, your needs, and your budget;
  • If you finance the cost of the car, consider how much you can put down, your monthly payment, the length of the loan, and the annual percentage rate. Make sure you understand all aspects of the loan agreement before you sign any documents, including the exact price; the amount you’re financing; the finance charge; and the total sales price;
  • Learn about car models, options, and prices by reading newspaper ads, both display and classified;
  • The Federal Trade Commission requires dealers to post a Buyers Guide in every used car they offer for sale. Private sellers don’t have to use the Buyers Guide. The Guide tells you: – whether the vehicle is sold “as is” or with a warranty;
    - percentage of the repair costs a dealer will pay under the warranty;
    - that spoken promises are difficult to enforce;
    - to get all promises in writing;
    - to keep the Buyers Guide for reference after the sale;
    - the major mechanical and electrical systems on the car, including some of the major problems you should look out for;
    - and to ask to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy;
  • Examine the car using an inspection checklist. You can find these on Internet sites that deal with used cars;
  • Ask for the car’s maintenance record from the owner, dealer, or repair shop;
  • Test drive the car under varied road conditions – on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic;
  • Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner is unfamiliar with the car’s history
  • Hire a mechanic to inspect the car for mechanical soundness as well as safety;
21-03-2009 by Sorli

category: Tips

Auto Insurance: Understanding Car Insurance

Understanding car insurance.
Unexpected losses. Future disasters. Insurance can protect against all these eventualities which are potential money draining experiences.

In the case of being an owner of a vehicle, shop around for a good policy and a good tip is to purchase more coverage than required to cover for a variety problems. Some examples of policies include:

Liability

This coverage pays for accidental bodily injury and property damages to others. Injury damages include medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost wages. Property damage includes damaged property and automobiles.

This coverage also pays defense and court costs. The law determines how much liability coverage you must purchase, but you can always get more coverage than required.

Collision

This coverage pays for damages to your vehicle caused by collision with another vehicle or object.

Comprehensive

This coverage pays for loss or damage to the insured vehicle that doesn’t occur in an auto accident. The types of damages comprehensive insurance covers include loss caused by fire, wind, hail, flood, vandalism or theft.

Medical Coverage

Pays medical expenses regardless of fault when the expenses are caused by an auto accident.

PIP

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) pays medical expenses for the insured driver, regardless of fault, for treatment due to an auto accident.

Uninsured Motorist

Pays your car’s damages when an auto accident is caused by a driver who doesn’t have liability insurance.

Underinsured Motorist

Pays your car’s damages when an auto accident is caused by someone who has insufficient liability insurance.

Rental Reimbursement

This type of coverage will pay for a rental car if your car is damaged due to an auto accident. Often this coverage has a daily allowance for a rental car.

Factors That Affect the Pricing of the Auto Insurance

Now that you know more about the various policies available, it’s also essential to know what type of factors affect the pricing of the auto insurance such as:

Drive ‘Safe’ Car

The first thing that affects your policy price would be what kind of car you drive. For instance, a sports car will definitely be more expensive to insure compared to a family car. Also, if your car is a popular target with thieves, chances are that your coverage will be more expensive.

Neighborhood and Mileage Counts

Another factor is where you reside. If you reside in an area which is crime ridden, your policy will be a more expensive one. Drivers who clock up long distance in driving will also pay more than those who live nearby their work places.

Depends on Your Profile

The final factor is that the price depends on yourself. Your age, your gender, marital status and driving records are all taken into account for. Accident rates are higher for drivers under the age of 25 years old, so if you are young, expect to pay a wee bit more.

With that in mind, have fun researching on various policy packages offered by insurance packages to find out the policy that suits your profile!

07-02-2009 by Sorli

category: Auto Insurance

Tips How to Get Cheap Auto Insurance Quote

Here are some useful tips on getting cheap auto insurance quote. These tips are from Brian, a former insurance agent and financial consultant. He gives some tips on how to get cheap auto insurance quote:

Examine Your Auto Insurance Policy – A few changes in the auto insurance coverage can save hundreds of dollars in the insurance premium.

Increase The Insurance Deductible – Deductible is the amount of money have to be paid before an insurance company pays a claim. Raising it can save hundreds of dollars per year of the car insurance.

Install a Security System – Most insurance companies will give discount if security system is installed to the car.

Decrease Your Mileage – The auto insurance that have to be paid is directly proportional to the number of miles you drive. So cut down your mileage, try car pooling or walking sometime.

Shop Online for Cheap Auto Insurance – Try to compare them online.

06-02-2009 by Sorli

category: Auto Insurance, Tips

Types of Insurance: Auto Insurance

Auto insurance coverage is an obligation for all vehicles used at road. It is to ensure that drivers are protected against liabilities which should an incident occur. A usual type of auto insurance are the Third Party Policy and Comprehensive Policy. Other protection can be obtained with accordance to the policy holder choice.

What are a Third Party Policy and a Comprehensive Policy?

A Proton Perdana V6 car.

Third Party Policy – if you drive a car and hit a car that belongs to B, under the third party insurance, your insurance company only will be responsible to pay compensation on injury, death of driver B or B car passenger and also to B’s car only.

Comprehensive Policy – If the same thing happens and you hold a comprehensive insurance policy, you are being protected from liability that exist as result of death or limb injury of the driver or passengers and car of B and also damages which occurred on your car. The insurance company will also pay compensation to you if your car is lost, stolen or destroyed due to fire.

08-01-2009 by Sorli

category: Auto Insurance, Insurance Basic

Check Your Car Tires, Suspension and Steering System for Long Journey

Report from World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the death figure due road accident is exceeding 1 millions people yearly. The report estimates that road accidents involve a cost of USD 518 billions each year.

There are three core factors that caused road accident, among them are failure of equipment function, severe road condition and the driver’s attitude or habit itself.

Most accidents which occurred were caused by combination of human error and other factors.

Equipment function failure

The most common equipment function failure happened are brake system not functioning, bursting tire, worn and bald tires and steering system or suspension system failure.

Modern car brake system with double circuit brake system can avoid brake system failure. If one of the brake circuits has malfunctioned, another circuit can still slow down and stop the car.

One of the ABS system or Anti-lock Braking System advantages is it can avoid the car tire from being locked when you make an emergency brake.

Lack of tire air pressure also can make tire fail to function. Worn and bald tire also among serious problems often occurs and could cause failure of tire function.

Tires which have irregular wears are caused by imbalance and improperly tire alignment. It can occur because of the damaged at the suspension system.

Suspension system on a car also enables the tire of the car to touch the road surface stably.

While the steering system enable you to control and move your car so that it can avoid obstacles thus it is important to avoid accident from happening.

Even a well trained driver cannot have a good control of his car if the suspension and steering system failed to function. As such, suspension and car steering wheel system must be checked whenever the car has traveled more than 5,000 kilometers.

Prevent accidents, check your car.

29-12-2008 by Sorli

category: Auto Things

Check The Brake Every 6 Months

Vehicle’s braking system check and care is among the important routine should be done by vehicle owners to avoid any disaster when driving.

Follow these guides as your reference:

  • Once a month check your car brake oil level. Make sure its oil is between the minimum and maximum level. Do not drive if brake oil level is under minimum level.
  • Each six months when you want to change your car tyres don’t forget to check the brake lining. Make sure the gripping layer is still thick.In case you found that the brake liners do not have same thickness between left and right side, ask your mechanic to check brake oil pipeline system or brake pressure system.

    Possibly the pressure imposed on both brakes are unequal and this is dangerous to driving, especially when braking in high speed. Same thing should be done to brake drum.

  • If you like to drive aggressively and fast, change the car brake liner to the one that could withstand high heat.Make sure to change your brake oil pipeline system to a better one. This is to ensure that the car brake system can function in high pressure, high temperature and get quicker reaction when the pedal is pressed.

    Brake oil mistake could cause the entire brake system to suffer damage, especially when liner is made from rubber.

  • If there are scratches at drum disk, ask a mechanic to assess whether it still usable or not. If changing brake lining is proposed grind the disk back or change to a better drum. Scratches can deter brake lining grip on disk or drum.
  • A usual damage is a jammed brake. This happened because brake lining does not return to its position when we disengage brake that grips the disk. Caliper damage which controls brake lining.
  • If there are brake oil discharge spots at any part, ask mechanic to check it. Do not take this matter easily is because small leak can become big when braking because of the applied pressure to it.
  • For car with automatic transmission, front brake liner is quicker to wear compares to back liner (usually twice faster).
  • If you want to modify a car braking system be sure to get written truth by the authority because it is wrong and company insurance will not protect you if any accident happened. It is because you change your brake system without authorization from the authority.
  • While driving evade from placing foot on brake pedal. This can save the brake liner usage.
  • When moving down a steep hill do not use brake, instead use low gear to control your car speed.
  • When adding brake oil, make sure its specification is right. Dot 3 for common use of car which have front disk and back drum. Dot 4 for car that have four wheel disk system and high-powered car.
28-12-2008 by Sorli

category: Auto Things

Wear Your Seat Belt – Even You Are a Ghost

This is a tv commercial in Malaysia. It’s about a ghost who like to scare people off by getting into peoples car in a ghostly way and scares people off in their car. But some else happened in this video. The ghost don’t wear seat belt. I guess you already know what happened to the ghost. If not try watching this video.

So wear your seat belt.

23-12-2008 by Sorli

category: Auto Things