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A Beginner’s Guide To Classic Car Restoration

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Whether you have a passion for restoring them or driving them, there are many classic car lovers out there. Bringing a classic or vintage car back to life can be a labor of love and can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It could be to sell the car on, and the process is what you enjoy. It could be to then keep the car yourself and enjoy it as a weekend vehicle.

But if you’ve not done it before, but quite fancy the idea of it, then where do you start? Here are a few of the steps you should take if you’re interested in a classic or vintage car restoration. Then, no matter your previous skills or experience, you can be on the right path to getting the project done well.

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Do Your Homework

A vintage car restoration is not a small project. So you need to take some time to figure out how much it could cost you and what you have available to spend on it. What are the tools you need for such a project? Do you have the right ones? If you know someone that has done it before, then that could come in really handy.

Choose the Right Car

Choosing the right car can be one of the trickiest parts of a car restoration. It isn’t always going to be straightforward; the chances are that you will find one with a few problems. But you don’t want to have too many problems that will cost you a lot to fix. So take your time checking out what is for sale near you. Looking up ‘car auctions near me’ could be a good idea too, as you can often get a good deal at an auction. Classified ads, local papers, and car garages can be good places to look to. Be sure to ask plenty of questions for the previous owners.

Original or Personal

When it comes to classic cars, there are some stalwarts that believe you have to recreate the car back to its original form. But will that be the route that you take? You could opt for classic, or add some personality to the car. Making a plan and deciding what you want the car to look like is really key. It can be a good idea to know what you want to do beforehand, so that you can plan the right tools and design.

Space

You might have grand plans for your car restoration, but have you thought through where it is all going to go? Do you have space in your own garage, or would you be placing the car elsewhere? If so, you’ll need to check the security of the place, as well as check on insurance (though if the car isn’t driveable yet, it can reduce the insurance).

The thing to think about is why you are doing it, as classic car restoration can take a while. It should be a labor of love, as that will make it more appealing, and get you out there each week, rather than putting it off and wasting your money.

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Are You a Hazard on the Road Without Even Knowing It?

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Driving is one of those things in life that can be daunting at first, but can quickly become second nature if you do it enough.  Many spend a lot of time each day on the road. Whether it’s ferrying their kids around to school or commuting to work, driving is just something we do on a regular basis. However, once we get accustomed to it, we might start developing lazy habits that are surprisingly harmful to our safety.

Let’s face it; how many of us have neglected to put on our seatbelt now and then because we’re only driving down the road or in a relatively safe neighbourhood? What about answering your phone? Perhaps you see that your phone is ringing on the dashboard and it’s your partner, so you decide to answer it and disregard driving rules set by your state or country. There are small things like this that might not initially seem harmful, and the more you do it the more likely you’ll repeat those actions and eventually become desensitized to those dangerous habits and become a hazard on the road.

But how do you know when to stop? Let’s take a look at some of the most common habits that drivers have which turn them into dangerous hazards on the road.

Source: Pexels

 

Neglecting Laws

Laws are made for a reason. They’re rules that we need to follow or else we lose order. However, laws are also designed to protect us. There are different rules in each state, and it’s important that you follow them else you risk getting in trouble with the law or potentially hurting yourself. The last thing you want is to be pulled over because you didn’t realize what the laws in your current state are. Make sure you check up on the driving laws of each state to make sure this doesn’t happen. The laws should also make sense because they’re made to protect you.

With that out of the way, let’s take a look at some of the ways that you become a hazard on the road without even knowing it. Some of these are going to be basic knowledge for people, but others are going to be interesting and you might learn a thing or two about driving safety.

Driving With Passengers

One of the most common ways to get distracted is to have people in the back of your vehicle. Of course, it’s absolutely normal to drive with people, but you need to remember that they can become distractions. Whether it’s someone asking you to change the music or speaking to you about subjects that you need to think about, anything that takes your mind or attention off driving can ultimately distract you. That’s how easy it is to actually become distracted. All it takes is a split second and you might miss a light, you could miss the pedestrian crossing the road or you could take a wrong turn.

You want to avoid car accidents as much as possible especially when there are other people in the vehicle with you. No one wants to be responsible for several people getting injured, so here are a few tips to help you stay focused when driving with others in the car:

 

  • Diffuse arguments quickly. If you’re arguing with someone in the car or your child is disagreeing and having a tantrum, do your best to stop the argument so you can continue focusing on driving.
  • Stop driving if your passengers are annoying you. Whether it’s someone playing with your seat and moving it or changing the songs on your radio, stop immediately if you’re getting frustrated with the people in your car.
  • Don’t play around in the car. Driving with friends can be enjoyable, but if they’re doing silly things like dancing around or screaming loudly then stop them immediately.
  • Drive slowly. If you find it hard to focus with people in the car, driving slowly can help give you more time before important driving decisions.

Source: Pexels

 

Vehicle Maintenance

You’d be surprised at just how many vehicles on the road are in need of some dire maintenance. Whether it’s an indicator light that isn’t working or the seats being a little unstable, it’s important to get the best out of your vehicle and keep it well-maintained so that you don’t risk it breaking down or becoming dangerous when you’re out in the open. Many people that have owned their cars for a long time will quickly forget about keeping their vehicle in good condition, so make sure you don’t neglect this as an important concern.

For example, a used car can sometimes come with bad tires or flimsy brakes. Make sure you fix these as soon as possible to prevent them from becoming a major issue. In addition, perform a regular maintenance check on your devices to guarantee that all of your lights are working and that you can correctly show your intent to other drivers on the road. vehicles need to be kept in good condition before they should be used on the road, so don’t drive a vehicle that is broken or in poor condition.

Driving While Tired

Everyone has driven while tired a few times in their life. Whether it’s trying to shake off the morning grogginess or driving after a long and rough day at work, it’s important that you try and drive only when your mind is focused and you’re not falling asleep. Driving while drowsy is actually a huge safety concern and it is similar to driving while under the influence of alcohol.

You might be tempted to drive while drowsy, but it’s important that you consider the safety concerns and the danger that you might put yourself in if you do it. Try to plan your driving in advance and make sure you take regular breaks if you’re driving a long distance. There’s nothing wrong with stopping someplace, pulling over your vehicle and taking a small nap before you continue driving.

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Does Fixing The Car Have To Be So Expensive?

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They are one of the most expensive things we will ever own. In fact, for the majority of people, their car is the most valuable and the costliest of all their possessions except for the home. The amount they have to spend on their mechanics is a big part of that, as well. Cars are complex and fixing them isn’t easy so it’s no surprise repairs can be costly. But is there any way to at least make them more manageable? Does keeping your car in good condition always have to be so costly?

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Not if you take care of it

Everyone can reduce how much they spend on repairs. The simple fact is that most drivers are too busy or simply not willing to put in the time to show their own auto a little more care. We can all do more to maintain our cars. Changing spark plugs, checking tire pressure, changing the oil when necessary. You can do all of these and more with the expensive help of a mechanic. If you own an electric car, you can still clean and polish it, lessening the risk of rust, and you can take care of the battery. The more time you put into the car, the less money you have to spend on it.

Not if you shop around

Make sure you’re not going to the most expensive garage in town. Even if they’re a legit business and not resorting to tricks, you could save money by going to their competition, especially if they’re a shorter distance away from you. Shop around when it comes to your parts and maintenance equipment as well. Suppliers like CTI Supply that sell directly to garages and other auto businesses could offer much better prices, especially if you buy in bulk. Don’t always let the garage find your replacement parts for you, either. It’s not entirely unheard of for mechanics to mark up the car parts they source and find for your vehicle. Of course, you shouldn’t try to go too cheap with replacement parts, as that can only end up making them more likely to break and need another replacement in short order.

Not if you prepare

One of the most expensive parts of car repair isn’t the bill, but how unprepared the majority of car owners are for them. If your car has a malfunction or accident and your insurance isn’t paying, you may find that you don’t have the funds readily available. A lot of businesses will let you make repairs on credit, but often with interest that marks up the overall price significantly. By putting aside a car maintenance fund as shown at The Nest, you can avoid going into debt and have the cash ready to go when you need it.

As well as the tips above, you do want to make sure you’re being taken for a ride by your mechanic. Take a closer look at your bill the next time you visit and make sure you’re not getting any extra charges you shouldn’t.

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Taking Yourself From A To B: Your First Car

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That means it’s time to invest! If you’re the kind of person who’s lived in a big city your whole life and never needed your own transport, or you’ve been able to depend on someone else this entire time and you know the situation needs to change, it’s time to take action. Being able to drive is a life skill a lot of people have and not a lot of people really put to good use. It can help us get jobs and support ourselves, it helps us ferry our families around and makes homelife a lot easier, and a vehicle can even be a mini home in itself when you need it to be. So if you’re on your journey to becoming a fully fledged driver, here’s some good ways to stay on top of things.

These keys are only a snatch away from you Source

Getting On With Your Lessons

Lessons aren’t always the first step in learning to drive. You need to determine first of all what kind of vehicle you’re hoping to pilot from here on out, whether it be a manual or an automatic or a car that runs on fuel or electricity. When you’re first starting your lessons, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, this is the space where it’s absolutely safe to do so.

Make sure you keep up with car control when you’re outside of the driver’s seat. If you know the routes around your town well, you can easily keep up with a Sat Nav or the instructor’s commands. Look at maps in your spare time, understand the speed limits of the common roads. Try and get some offtime practice in another car when you can, as more and more practical experience is never going to hurt anyone. With this, you’ll be studying for your theory from the get go, and still have the right amount of practical experience.

What If I Can’t Afford a Car?

Don’t worry, a lot of people are in the same situation as you. When you’re in this kind of situation, there’s a few solutions out there for you. Why not try a lease maybe? When you’re only hiring a car out for a short while, the cost is going to be dramatically lower than trying to own one outright. And hey, you might not even get enough use out of an owned car!

If someone else in your family has a car, see if you can be put on their insurance to also drive it safely when they’re not using the vehicle. Sharing the cost of running the vehicle between you is something a lot of people can manage, so don’t turn your nose up at not owning your own car. You can always move on from here after all, instead of immediately getting bogged down into debt.

Getting from A to B doesn’t have to cost the entire bank. Driving is an investment of course, but it’s worth it for living life to the full.

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Tips for Anyone Buying a Used Car

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Image source – http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/pictures/230000/velka/road-and-car.jpg

 

Are you looking for a used vehicle? There can be many benefits associated with buying a used vehicle. The most obvious benefit being the fact that used vehicles are a lot cheaper. They represent exceptional value when you consider how quickly the value of a new car depreciates. However, you will obviously want to make sure you purchase the right vehicle for you. So, let’s take a look at some top tips on purchasing a user car.

Check you have all of the paperwork before paying – It is important to make sure you have the correct documents before you pay up, as well as all of the necessary spares and a spare set of keys. The documents you should expect include the sales contract, manuals, servicing booklet, and logbook or V5C.

Be cautious when buying a car on eBay – If you have decided to buy a car on eBay, please be aware that you are not going to be protected. You will not be protected by eBay’s own buyer protection. If you purchase via PayPal, you will not be protected by PayPal’s purchase protection either.

Choose a dealership that specializes in the vehicle you are looking for – When looking to buy a specific auto make, it is a good idea to look for a dealership that specializes in this type of vehicle. For example, if you want to buy a Subaru, then the Eblen Subaru dealership would be a good place to start. This comes recommended because the people working at the dealership will have expert knowledge regarding the type of vehicle you are looking for. This will ensure you get the best information. Not only this, but if you require a repair or a replacement part in the future, they should be able to assist you with ease.

Take the vehicle for a test drive – It is so important to take your vehicle for a test drive, and when you do this, there are numerous things you should look out for. Will the car fit into your space? What does the engine sound like? Does the car pull away smoothly? Do you have enough space in the boot? What is the passenger space like? Are the boot, doors, and bonnet easy to open? Does the car feel balanced or does it veer to one side? Do the clutch and brakes function effectively and smoothly? If you are going to be fitting a child car seat, is it going to go in easily? Is your driving position at the wheel comfortable?

Be thorough when car shopping – When looking for a used car, you need to make sure it is right for you. There are some key factors you should be looking for. The vehicle’s mileage is important. If the odometer’s figures are wildly out when you consider the age of the vehicle, you need to ask why. Most vehicles clock up roughly 10,000 miles per year. Aside from this, you should also turn on the lights, test the radio, look at the engine for signs of water or oil leaks, check the oil itself, check repairs, and assess the overall condition of the car.

Always haggle – A lot of people assume that there is no point in haggling, however, this is not a practice that is only suitable for backstreet bazaars. You know what they say, if you don’t ask, you don’t get. This is most definitely the case when trying to buy a car. So, how do you haggle effectively? There are a number of approaches you can use. The first is to look for vehicles that are already discounted. This indicates that there may be some more room for negotiation. In addition to this, look for the tiniest scratches or dents and use this as a bargaining tool. You should also get them to check something in for free, as opposed to only looking for the price to come down. Plus, don’t feel like you have always got to fill the silence. Wait for them to fill the silence with a better offer.

Work out the true cost ­– Budgeting effectively is a necessity when buying a car. However, this is where a lot of people go wrong; they underestimate the true cost of buying a vehicle. When working out how much this is going to cost you, don’t only consider any upfront costs and finance repayments if you have taken out of any loan. You also need to think about parking permits and tolls, servicing, MOTs, car insurance, tax, and fuel.

Make sure the car meets your requirements – Last but not least, do not make the mistake of falling head over heels for a car and then forgetting what you were looking for in the first place. If a car does not meet your list of requirements, don’t buy it. So, before shopping, it is a wise idea to draw up a list of all of the things you need. This can include your essential requirements, whether you want petrol or diesel, boot size, eco-friendliness, and anything else that is important to you.

If you follow the advice that has been provided above, you should find it a lot easier to find the perfect used vehicle for you. A used vehicle can present a lot of value, but this is only going to be the case if you choose with care. Do the necessary research and follow the information that has been given to you, and you won’t go too wrong.

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Can You Reduce The Costs Of An E-Car?

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Even though the British government has made it clear that the future is not in fossil fuel powered vehicles, a lot of households are still debating the advantages of an electric car. Indeed, at a time where most people need to commute on average an hour to go every day, it’s easy to see how an electric car could make it difficult to maintain a healthy work/life balance. After all, who’s got time to put their car on charge for 12 to 18 hours to be able to get to the office on the next day? You can’t just top it up at the pump in a matter of minutes like you would with a diesel or an unleaded petrol engine. Additionally, there is no denying that electric vehicles have not yet addressed all the issues that environmental and legal institutions have complained about regardless fuel-powered engines. So the question remains open for now: If there a way to reduce the many costs of an e-car?

What are the hidden costs of electric cars?  

Electric cars are expensive

For the time being, buying an electric car is an expensive purchase. For a start, even the best selling electric vehicle in the UK, the Nissan LEAF, costs on average £8,000 more than the best selling family favourite car, the Ford Fiesta. For a family budget, £8,000 is not the kind of expense that can be easily ignored. Besides, you need to add the running costs of maintaining an electric engine. A 1.2L petrol engine will need a refuel after roughly 300 miles, and you can expect to pay between £35 and £40. But the Nissan LEAF will need charging after 100 miles, which means that you also need to check for charging stations along your route.

But things will change

Additionally, if you’re looking for a cheap auto insurance, you’d better stick to the Ford Fiesta for now. Electric cars are indeed around £330 more expensive to insure at the moment. Admittedly, it doesn’t mean that you should ignore the option of buying an e-vehicle as you can expect that technology will improve rapidly. Along with the legal incentives, it’s likely that within the next 10 years, electric cars will become cheaper to insure compared to fossil fuel engine, as we’ll get closer to the 2040 deadline set in the UK.

There are already eco-friendly actions

There has been a lot of discussion in the recent years about the green benefits of electric vehicles. Indeed, it’s impossible to ignore the cost of production on the environment. Indeed, the lithium contained the car batteries come from environmentally destructive mines, which are linked to the creation of highly toxic chemicals that are regularly dumped back into the environment. In other words, until this process can be improved, it’s hard to think of electric vehicles are green cars. However, there are green actions that can help to improve their running costs for your wallet and the environment. Indeed, Smart Green Batteries SARL has patented charging stations using recycled oils to charge your car.

In other words, e-cars still come at a high cost in terms of environmental protection, financing, and practicality. However, there are indications that this cost can be decreased through technological progress over time.