More often than not, the following common road hazards put the safety of motorist in jeopardy. The solutions presented are the solution you can do in your part. While its true solution depends on the action and response of the DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC WORKS.
Problem: Blind Corners and Sharp Crest
Solution: Make sure that you have an adjustable and correct mirror alignment. When driving on blind corners and sharp crest, adjusting your side mirrors and rearview mirror will offer you greater and clearer view behind and in side of you. Proper alignment means that the side view mirrors does not overlaps the view in the rear view mirror. In this way, you will be provided with wider and clearer view of your behind. Be alert with unprotected hazards near the road like trees, poles and mountain slopes. If the roads you are regularly driving have a great presence of this danger, better call the attention of your local department that works with this kind of problems. Removing these barriers will ensure the safety of motorists.
Problem: Narrow roads spaces and bridge
Solution: The solution for does not only lies to the government action to widen it, after all, there are really places that allow small clearance for road and bridge construction. The solution you can take part to this problem is by not overlooking the principle of give and take. Not all motorists and vehicles need the same demands and needs. As larger cars needs wider space, gives the space it is due. Never make a race or over take when you know you are heading to a narrow road or bridges.
Problem: Road signs already fading off or damaged
Solution: Be more attentive and wary. If you drive in it regularly, it would be great if you already memorized it by routine the road signs or line markings this or that road has. Report these cases to your local sheriffs immediately for a quick response and actions.
Problem : Incomplete pedestrian facilities.
Solutions: Keep in mind that pedestrians also have needs when it comes to road use. Good examples of road have a complete footpath, pedestrian lanes or signs, underpass or overpass and other facilities that will both benefit pedestrians and motorists.
Problem: Inappropriate road signs
Solutions: Although this happens rarely, incorrect road signs are real headache. You could only blame the traffic enforcers for this. But when faced with this problem, being an alert driver will really help you through this. So never drive when you know you are not capable of driving due to a sickness, tiredness or sleepiness.
Problem: High traffic volumes
Solution: Always leave early. This way you will drive calmly as you are not running after something. It will give you less stress so you will always have a better judgment against speeding or doing overtakes. Drivers less focused on being late themselves are more likely to notice potentially aggressive drivers on the road
Problem: Poor quality road surface
Solution: This really poses a great danger especially when it’s raining and the road is slippery. Bring this to the attention of the authorized department immediately. While waiting for its response and you don’t have any choice but to drive through it, be sure to drive over it under an appropriate speed that will not bring yourself and other’s safety into compromise.
Problem: Poor Lighting
Solution: Check on your vehicle’s lighting assemblies regularly so to be always prepared if faced with this kind of road condition. Most highways are now complete with post lamps or street lamps but it is common that in back countries roads, street lights are not still prevalent. So keep you vehicle’s lighting system always in working condition. You will never know the road condition you will be faced to.
When you say car detailing, it entails a systematic way, steps or manner in taking care of your car. Taking care also includes the protection you could give and that daily maintenance you do to keep your car clean and shine. I’ve search over the net to find all the possible detailing tools that can be use in cleaning cars, thoroughly. That’s it, not the expensive types use in auto shops like carpet extractor, gas pressure washer, generators, air compressors, electric pressure washer and well, you get my point. What I am referring to are those tools that our pockets could afford and that we can use it right in our house vicinity.
So here are the tools I found that you could use at home:
- Polishing pads
- Brushes
- Vacuum or blowers
- Drying tools
- Sponges & mitts
- Spray
- Buckets
- Hose and water jet nozzle
- Dusters
- Microfiber products
The interior of your car should be spotlessly clean and mould-free smell. You could do a regular vacuum to prevent accumulation of sand, dust, salt and other grimes that will damage the floor panels, carpets or liners. Wiping off the dirt from the dashboards, seats and parcel shelf should be included.
On the other hand, the exterior should also be well maintained since the first impression of a properly maintained car is seen here. It also defines the resale value of the car. You must take car detailing seriously on your exterior especially if you live in coastal places where salt presence is high. Regular car detailing and servicing is the key to achieve total maintenance and protection.
Friendly and Useful Tips in doing a DIY car detailing at Home:
- If you are a smoker, try not to smoke inside your car. The nicotine and smoke sticks to the glass applications in your car which are too hard way to remove. Also, the smell sticks heavily especially if you have a fabric seats.
- Try to choose the best air freshener that will compliment your car and especially yours. Some air freshener’s causes dizziness and that it also sticks its fragrance to your car’s upholstery so better choose the one you best like.
- Keep a weekly maintenance routine to keep the color of your car crisp and sparkly.
- Avoid using streak towels since it causes damage to your paint.
- Sponge is the one of the best tool you can use to wash your car. It allows a rich lather while it ensures a smooth and non-abrasive texture.
- Shampoo or hair shampoos are a good and cheap solution you can use to wash your car. It comes economical and easier to find that other washing liquids.
- Why did I include micro fiber cloth because of its capacity to dry clean your car fast and smooth after washing. Be sure to stock enough of this in your garage.
- Make sure to wipe your car immediately after you drove it under heavy rain. The dirt accumulated during the rain if left to dry will de difficult to remove so better wipe it off before its dries.
- Cotton cloths are the safest and most effective tool to clean your windshields and windows off.
- If you don’t regularly use your car, make sure to at least switch the ignition on for at least five minutes to ensure its engine will not rust into decay for not being used.
- Since summer time is here, one good tip to keep your car shiny and maintain its paint quality is to immediately wash it off after you have gone to the beach. As I said, salt is the number cause of rusting in your car.
For my last post, I have discussed about how to check you car paint’s condition. It was some sort of requirement that your car’s paint must meet or must have undergone before you could say that your car has the perfect and smooth shine! But this time, I will share with you simple and easy to follow instruction on how you can achieve that perfect shine, hence the title of this post. I’ve discovered that you do need to have professional skills to actually make your car shine like you wanted it to shine.
Here are the steps for your way to that perfect shine you desire:
1. Wash it & Dry it Clean.
It is recommended that you wash your car twice consecutively using a car wash solution. You can even use a shampoo since this has shining effect already. But if the dirt of your car needs more than shampoo to get it done, use a dish washing liquid instead. Make sure that you rinse your car well to avoid soap blot formation.
2. Detail it with clay system.
You can check the smoothness of your car’s paint after cleaning I through your hands. If its squeaks when rob, then it’s not yet completely smooth. Your car’s paint maybe contaminated still with dust, dirt and acid rain residues and other road grimes that’s why it’s not evenly smooth. Clay system of detailing is one of the most effective ways to get rid of these contaminants. Clay detailing gently smoothes your car’s paint to leave a slick and shiny afterwards with just simple step of applying it that comes in liquid or in bar.
3. Inspect it for Paint Damage.
When you are done cleaning and detailing, inspect for minor paint damage. In most cases, minor damage in your car is not noticed unless it is cleaned since it could be concealed by the road grimes. If you find scratches and blemishes, use a restore polish to repair these flaws. You need a good rubbing compound to do this like sandpaper. If doing it by your self is not enough, bring to your local auto shop for a machine or electric drill buffing work.
4. Rejuvenate it.
You can do this by applying glaze on your paint. Glazing brings out your car’s full potential to shine and gloss. This is recommended especially if your car has minor damage of scratches and blemishes. If you’re car’s paint is already in its good condition, you can skip this step since there is nothing to rejuvenate in the first place.
5. Protect it.
You cannot do this unless you are sure that your car’s paint is already totally cleaned or detailed. Protect it using the tried and tested cleaner you always use in your car. If you don’t know any brand, start with the safest solution of organic type of cleaner. But for longer period of protection, most auto shop use synthetic solution and cleaners since it is known to last longer that the organic one.
6. Seal it.
By sealing, this simply means you need to wax it as the final step. This is like applying the finishing touches of your masterpiece. Waxing provides a luxurious depth of clarity, color, smoothness and shine! This step is the greatest factor to bring out the full potential of your car’s paint to just rise and shine. Most experts suggest that the carnauba wax meets and even exceed your expectation of shininess and clarity. I could attest to this fact but sometimes I opt for the synthetic wax for long lasting effect although it does not give what a carnauba could offer.
Cleaning your car paints is one of the best ways to actually preserve it. But if cleaning is not properly done, it will make your car’s paint surface odd with blotches and scratches rather than a smooth, shiny and polished surface. The secret lies on the type of cleaner you will use and the method on how you will clean it. But no matter how hard you clean your car’s body paint, it will not be considered as “perfect” if the following criteria are met. I have learned this from my service mechanic who is now quite getting famous for always having a job well done. Mr. Hoover, you’re the man. I salute you for your expertise.
Well, you know Mr. Hoover here is not selfish for sharing up his knowledge. So, I don’t want to be accused of selfishness so here are what this impressing mechanic had told me.
For you to know that your car’s paint is already perfectly cleaned and its finish carries smoothing shine, check these following factors:
1. How is your paint’s condition? Mr. Hoover said that the life of the car paints last for the first 12 months, or 18 months to the most. So, if your car is getting near to its couple years of life here on earth, better have a check on its paint already. But if your car is just new, maybe a couple of months old, regular washing and protection will make cleaning your paint less bickering since oxidation is ensured to be kept in minimal. Recommended washing must be done at least once a week.
2. Is it polished regularly? This is one of the most important things you have to do with your car. Through polishing, minor scratches, marring, marks and blemishes are guaranteed to be removed leaving your car smooth and shiny. If you left your car thirsty for a polish, expect that minor scratches to transform into large and unappealing paint damage.
3. Is it waxed? When cleaning or detailing your car’s paint, waxing it should be done last and by that, it means that its application should be properly done. Mr. Hoover recommends the use of more organic and natural wax like the Carnauba (see my previous post for info) to be safe and avoid any marring and abrasion on your car paints since other type of wax has high concentrate of chemicals.
4. Is it contaminated-free? By contamination, this means that your car’s paint must be free from any grime formation, dust, tar, oil, insects, and other miniscule road debris that are thrust in the surface of your car’s paint. Include also in your list the bird’s dang, pedestrians intentional or unintentional contribution to get your car paints dirty. You must removed this completely first since it is impossible for you to get a great waxing result if your car is contaminated still.
5. Is it glazed? Glazing is synonymous to restoration. So, typically glazing is a process of applying treatments on your car’s paint especially if has scratches and blemished. If you want you car’s paint to have a perfect shine, be sure to glaze it once in a while especially if there are areas that needs glazing already.
6. Is it protected? There is a lot of protectant available in the market that serves as the final coating that will protect the paint sealing it from contaminants. If in waxing the best choice would be the organic, you must choose synthetic coating for protection. This polymer based synthetic coating offers more durability and longevity than the natural one.
So there, did you answer yes to all this questions? If no, better make something about it if you want to achieve and feel a perfectly smooth car finish.
You regularly used car cleaner products but do you know what or where it is made from? Read on the following and discover what’s inside the container of that car cleaner you have in hand!
WAX. This could come as organic or synthetic. These two types are made from different solutions. Most organic wax is made from plants and natural substance like beeswax, fruits, vegetables and other plants like the carnauba. On the other hand, the synthetic are made from petroleum sources like corn products and other man-made wax.
To be specific, the following are types or sources of wax used in making car wax:
- 1. Bayberry Wax – as the name implies, this comes from the berries of bayberry. This is used in making candles too so this is most likely a good kind of wax.
- 2. Beeswax – produced by beeswax is the wax that bees use to make hives. Like the bayberry, this is also a good raw material for candle making, polishes, make-up, crayon and many more. So this also makes a good car wax as well.
- 3. Wool wax – this wax are sourced from animals which is popularly known as lanolin. This is manufactured to be a good polish for leather shoes and furniture. Some soap is also made from this.
- 4. Carnauba wax – produced from the leaves of carnauba palm tress typically found in Brazil. This is a good source of organic wax called candelilla which is brown in color. It has great properties of wax; in fact it is used in making candles, floor dressings, and phonograph records and especially as car wax.
- 5. Polymer wax – this is made from compounds of petroleum sources which includes Teflon that is patented by DuPont. Most commercially available car wax are made from this since it offers lot of advantages plus it is widely available since it has continues production being synthetic and controlled by man.
- 6. Petroleum wax – this is a more concentrated solution of polymer wax. A by-product called paraffin used in making petroleum jelly and others. It has active compounds of hydrogen, carbon, chlorine and oxygen. This more widely used than the polymer based although both comes popular solutions.
CLEANER. There are also two types of cleaner, a friction and chemical. The first type which is the friction is made from either silicate or clay particulate. This cleaner thrust into the paint’s surface for a clean, smooth and shiny surface. The chemical cleaner on the other hand is more of the abrasive type of cleaner that sink into the car paints deeply to remove stains, tars, bugs and old wax. You probably ask more information about this type of cleaner since it could ruin you car paints.
POLISH. Of all the products you can apply on your car’s paint, polish are normally has the non-abrasive solution. It is after all, based from nutrient oil matrix.
GLAZE. Glaze has an emollients essentials and lubricating oils and contains small amount of mild cleaners that is effective in removing scratches and marks. It also leaves a smooth and shiny finish on the car’s paint.
CLEANER & WAX COMBINATION. There is available car paint cleaner that is already a combination of two or more products like this one. But be cautious in thinking you are actually having a great bargain with this since as far as fact is concerned, cleaner and wax has different properties and method of use so probably, you have to think about this.
DEGREASER or STAIN REMOVER. This is more the concentrated type of a chemical cleaner that is formulated to remove road contaminants like tar and bugs that had leave the paint’s surface with unappealing stains. Read the ingredients before buying one, some are made from petroleum distillates and some are citrus based. Obviously, the citrus based is milder than the petroleum type.
Before you rush on car insurance companies or calling some car insurance agents, you must be prepared with necessary information to avoid your application being delayed or denied. After all, you probably don’t want to wait for year for your insurance to come since most state laws requires car insurance before you can even drive one. As an insurance agent, I know exactly what I will ask my client. But its kind of annoy me sometimes if they forgot those most important questions on the form leaving it blank or call or make another appointment next time since they don’t have the data with themselves. So, to save you both the trouble,(agent like me and you who is applying for car insurance) be sure to know the following: Make some checklist if you must.
ü What is your car make and model
ü The registration number of your vehicle.
ü You car safety features. Does it have complete set of seatbelts, airbags, anti-lock brakes and anti-theft devices?
ü Who is the principal or main user/driver of the car?
ü The number of years of no-claim discounts and where you get it.
ü Full post code and residence address you live that must not be less than 3 years.
ü Your personal details including your license type, residency and occupation.
ü Your employment details including history.
ü Know your car’s use. Is it a working car or for business or personal use including pleasure and domestic.
ü What is your car’s estimated annual mileage? This will depend on your driving application and use. How many days you drive your car in a week, do you carpool? What is your car’s odometer reading?
ü What type of parking space you have to keep your car? Is it in front of your house with no fence? A garage? This is important since in event you car is stolen and you put in your application that you kept your car in a garage; your claims could be declined for that.
ü Type of cover you will apply. Does the insurance solely applicable to you? And what extent of your insurance will be included. Does it include third party of theft or fire? You must also indicate the coverage and premiums of each untoward accidents or injuries you will encounter such as bodily injury, property damage liability and personal injury protection. There is also optional coverage of what is referred as uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM). If you avail the UM, you need to get UIM as well.
ü You will also be ask for the actual claims you have for the last three years regardless of any accident you meet either you were at fault or not.
ü Know how much car insurance you can actually afford.
Be honest in answering this entire question. You claim’s validity will depend on the truthfulness of your answers. Say for example you answered that it is you who is the principal driver of the car you are applying insurance with when in truth it is your son or daughter, you will be declined with your claims in the ground of “fronting”. Surely, you will do these to still include you child as exemption but this is a form of cheating.
As for now, these are the basic question you will encounter in filling up insurance forms or during interview applications. Be sure to know all this. Okay?
By the way, there are lots of insurance companies that encourage online car insurance applications but nothing beats applying for it personally through going to the office or through an agent. You will be guided accordingly plus the benefit of counseling and clarity. You need to understand what you are applying form, after all it’s like entering a contract which is legal and binding.
If you are no expert, always bring with you a friend or a professional that exactly knows what a good used car is or not. Aside from this, you must have a checklist for you to have a great deal instead of a trash one. What are the things you need to be aware of when inspecting a car? You should not consider a brand-new looking car to guarantee a good engine performance. Looks can be deceiving, it is always logical to lift the hood and do some dept inspection on the engines. Inspect the car from all its corners and side, from top to bottom and from front to rear.
Anyways, here are considerations you need to keep in mind or that you need to ask the seller of:
ü The year of its manufacture.
ü How many owners that car already has
ü Does it already have been involved in accidents?
ü Mechanical report of that car including especially its problems
ü Maintenance history of the car.
ü For the car’s body, look for dents or scratches, paint quality, sign of repairs including sign of modifications and welding. Look for the VIN plate if it’s already tampered. Look for sign of crash or damage in the engine system and boot area.
ü For the engine, inspect if has some oil and water leaks, loose belts, condition of hoses and exhaust pipes, engine number authenticity and corrosions.
ü For the interior, inspect the door trim, seats, roof lining, condition of the upholstery including the seats and carpets (Is it already excessively worn out, stained or ripped?) Look also for possible rip roof lining.
ü For the window, look also for dents and scratches and if its seals are already leaking.
ü For the wheels and tires, inspect the condition of its alignment; tread wears, the size of the tires and its makes.
ü For the electrical parts, you inspection should not miss the headlight assemblies and all its lighting systems including hazard lights, interior lights and reversing lights. Check the windshield wipers if it’s still in good working condition. Check the audio system, ventilation and air conditioning system, alarm and horns.
ü Be sure to conduct a test drive. Tests drive it for not less than 15 minutes on varied road conditions like hills, highways, rocky and tough roads and off roads. When driving, observe for the following:
o Watch out cranking problems. Does it have a cold-start or cold-running problem?
o Inspect the gear of its transmission. Does it change smoothly and easily?
o Check for its handling capacity. Does its steering wheel have a quick response?
o Check its brake system. You can also check the handbrake when you are driving on a steep road. Don’t forget to check the emergency brakes as well.
o Listen for odd noises. Do you hear a clanking or screeching noise when accelerating or braking? Listen for rattles and knocks also.
o Do the exhaust pipes release excessive exhaust smoke? Ask for the smog certificate if necessary.
o Use your nose as well. Does it smell signs of overheating or fuel leaks?
o Check on its clutch. Does it engage or disengage accordingly?
o Check on the fuel gauge and speedometer, does it monitors precise mileage reading?
ü Do some backgrounds check on the seller to avoid being scammed. Be warned with the dealer’s reputation. Does the car has still some money owed involved in it?
These are just some of questions that will serve as your guide in buying used cars. Don’t buy in haste. After all, as an old saying goes. Haste makes waste. Use these checklist to refrain yourself from buying a trash car. Happy Car Hunting!
For New and Old Cars
ü Check the details of the car. To ensure you are not buying a car-nap. Is your dealer responsible to guarantee title and its initial registration?
ü Check the stamped and seals of the car specifically located on the engine bay. Is the year stated in the date of manufacture the same with the year stamped in the vehicle identification plates?
ü Check the VIN or Vehicle Identification Number and chassis number. Are the numbers the same with those written in the license papers? If no VIN plate, don’t waste anymore time and find a new dealer fast.
ü Check what is included in the warranty. Warranties must include as much as possible starting from the battery, tires, air conditioning unit, even radio and cassette and others.
ü It is always a must to have a test drive before you purchase the car.
ü Ask for a detailed and complete mechanical report of the car besides the vehicle’s owner manual.
Here are some tips you need to know before planning to purchase a car or a new car. Getting one is an investment that entices a lot of responsibility along with it. Your attitude towards buying one should not be like choosing what you will have for dinner. You should have the right decisions in order for you not to regret in the end. What must be included in the checklist you have in your hand for you to have the right decision. With the right decision of what type of car you will have will surely make you feel more than just satisfied but contented as well.
Here is a questionnaire checklist for you:
ü Know your budget first. Or how much you can afford. This question should not only end if you could afford that particular make and model. You should also ask you can also afford its required maintenance. Some cars demand more maintenance over the others.
ü What type of car you need? In this question you should consider the lifestyle you observe. Does that kind of model suit you and your personality? Does it fits the kind of lifestyle you lead and could it meet your demand? You can choose from a sedan, wagon, SUV, hatchback or pick-up. From this, what kind of car you could most likely maximize its utility?
ü What is the running cost of the vehicle you have in your mind already? This question combines both the first two question in your checklist. As the type of vehicle has different engine design, it has also different set of running cost. This includes petrol, registration, and maintenance(As I’ve already mentioned)
ü Are the spare parts for that particular car you have in mind could be easily be find and available? What is the cost of these spare parts? You have to consider this especially if the make and model you want is manufactured or imported from other countries, including its spare parts and replacements.
ü Are you familiar with that particular car already? If not, you must do some research on its specifications through advertisements. Read reviews about that car if you must. There are lots of review sites in the internet these days. A good car review should include:
o Road tests
o Safety features – including crash test
o Feasible common problem you could encounter with that particular model
o Handling features
o Performance
o Its cost-effectivity
ü Where will you buy your car? All venues for buying cars have different advantages and disadvantages. What are these places to get good deals? What best dealers are there in your locality? Visit as many dealers as possible; choose who makes the greatest deal. A good deal includes excellent service, extending advices and more information on the car you are eyeing and offers an after-sales back-up and assistance.
So there, remember these questions before you buy a car. Read my next post in continuation with my last question on the checklist provided.
A few more months and summer is here! It’s time again for long trips to any summer destination planned. But surely, you would want your pet especially your dog to be left home alone. After all, a hundred mile journey would count at least 3-5 days away your home. Your pet would definitely enjoy long trips as well. Don’t let bringing on your pets a cause of delay or worries for you. So before you pack your pet’s belongings already, be sure you are prepared with the following:
TRAVEL SICKNESS. Skip this if you always bring your pets along on a short drive. What’s important is you know that your pet is comfortable and tolerant inside your car. If not yet, before the date of you vacation comes, practice your pet to determine if he can handle or he can make it in a longer ride. Consult your pet’s vet for information if you pets are to be carried in on a long trip. The vet would prescribe a sedative or any other meds to secure your pet’s safety along the travel.
COMFORTABLE DEN. Just like you and your passengers, your pet should have a nice resting and nesting place he/she could hamper and sleep in. Make sure also that you pet does not distract you from driving, if you have a pet fence, bring it along in the cargo to be sure that your pet would not roam around your car. With a space intended for your pet, he/she will certainly feel the comfort of a ling drive. Also remember to not let your pet’s head peep on the car’s windows. It can cause injuries to your pet’s eye and ear or would put your pet’s life at risk.
SEAT BELTS. There are available pet restraints. Don’t put your pet’s life in jeopardy; secure him/her with seatbelts. After all, your pet’s safety is your safety as well.
SUFFOCATION. The key here is to never ever leave your pets inside a hot car. It would only take a matter of minutes for pets especially dogs to suffer heatstroke and suffocation inside a hot car. Besides, it is against the law in most states to leave pets inside the parked car unattended or in circumstances that it will endanger the life of the pet. You probably don’t want your pet to be harbored by any authorized person if they found out you have violated such provisions included in Cruelty Acts on animals.
WATER & FOOD SUPPLY. Your pets should be kept hydrated all the time. For your convenience and your pet, it is wise to make regular stop over. When on a stop, give your pet water-breaks and snack. The water container you have inside your car may be not enough to keep the pet well hydrated. Stopping over would also mean giving your pet a stretch on its muscles. Peeing and pooping can also be done during the stop over.
These are some things you have to consider before bringing along your loved pet. These are just simple and easy to do reminders anyway so don’t feel like you have an additional obligation or responsibility on your shoulder. Just like you, your pet deserves some vacation as well, a time to relax and just enjoy.
But before anything else, inspecting your car should be on the top of your checklist. Engines, check? Tires? Brakes? Suspension system? Inspect everything there is to check on your car. This may sound a bit of hassle, but if these all are already secured then expect a smooth and worry-free travel. So there, Enjoy and have a nice trip with your pets!
