Tag Archives: diy

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Super Cheap Ways to Make your Car Look Great

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Your car is a huge investment and if you want to make it look great then there are a couple of things that you need to take into account. After all, you need to make sure that it is accessorised and you also need to make sure that it is clean and polished as well.

Cleaning your Car

Every time you get out of your car, make an effort to take any rubbish out. You also need to try and focus on your interior detailing as well. For example, are there any marks that you could cover up? Is it possible for you to replace the gear shifter knob? Little things like this can make a huge difference to your car and by simply dusting your dashboard you can really improve the general appearance of your vehicle. Organizing your car also helps and you don’t have to spend a ton of money on organisational tools or spiffy hardware. Try and consider using ziplock bags to keep all of your car manuals together, or even use cable tidies to keep your phone wires together. Of course, it’s understandable that you won’t want to wax your car every month, but do consider doing it a couple of times a year. It also won’t hurt to put it through a car wash from time to time, and make sure that you give the alloys a good scrub as well.

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Floor Mats

The first thing that will get ruined in your car is probably going to be your floor mat. If your car has the original floor mat that it came with and it is in great condition then you have nothing to worry about here, but if you don’t or if you know that your car mats are in bad condition then you may want to get these replaced. When you do get them replaced, try and opt for rubber mats. Felt mats can store mud and moisture, and all of this can lead to a mould build up. Eventually you’ll have to buy a brand new set and this can cost you a ton of money as well. Rubber on the other hand, can be cleaned time and time again.

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Car Body

If you have dents or dings in your car then why not consider getting them fixed? A Jeep rear bumper for example is very easy to buy and very easy to replace as well so you can easily bring your old car back to life. If you haven’t cleaned your windshield wipers in a while then you need to get a microfibre cloth so that you can get all of the dust and debris that you have accumulated over the years. This will help to keep your glass clean and it is a great way for you to really boost the general appearance of your car.

Other things that you can do include replacing the alloys, the door handles or the trim underneath the car. These things are a little bit more expensive but they can make all the difference.

 

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How To Prepare Your Vehicle For Business Uses

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Being able to drive is a wonderful privilege that we have, and while being able to get from A to B easier and faster than walking, our cars can be used for much more than just transportation. Many people use their cars for business purposes, whether that be to get them to business meetings, pick up clients, or even advertise their own business. If you’re looking to utilize your car for business uses, take a look at the advice in this article so that you can be safe on the roads, while driving in comfort at the same time.

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Use radar detectors

For those who don’t know, radar detectors are installed in cars to alert you when you’re going too fast and when there are police detectors nearby. This could prove massively helpful if you’re using your car for business purposes because not only will it save you from gaining points on your license, but it will also save your business from creating a bad reputation. Take a look at the best undetectable radar detector and buy yourself one to protect yourself, others, and also your business.

Keep business cards and merchandise in your car

Ensuring that you constantly have a supply of merchandise and business cards in your car will allow you to do business wherever you are. Even if you’re not on a business trip, it’s likely that you will run into someone and begin talking about your business, and having everything ready in your car could gain you more customers! Make sure that they are kept flat and away from any damp so that if the time comes that you are showing off your business, that you look professional and prepared.

Have it serviced regularly

Like all cars, there’s a chance that your car could break down at some point, which will obviously not be good for business, especially if you have places that you need to be. Getting your car serviced regularly will give you that extra bit of reassurance that your car is going to be reliable through all journeys that you need to make. Also, having it serviced more regularly will likely prevent any pricey fixes coming your way because your mechanic should be able to pick up on small problems before they turn into larger and more expensive ones.

Add some homely touches

Being a business owner means you will probably be spending a considerable amount of time in your car, travelling to clients and other meetings. Take the time to make your car more homely so that you can travel in comfort. Things you could add to your car include:

  • Hands free set
  • Seat warmers
  • GPS
  • Snacks and water
  • An improved sound system

There are many other things you could add, but the above would make any journey much more bearable.

Use these tips to prepare your car for business uses and you will soon find yourself in a safe and productive car that can help you and your business.

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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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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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Making Your Car Safer For The Road With Technology

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Driving can be a dangerous game. There are so many thousands of drivers on the roads just in your area every day, and each of them will have their own view on what safe driving is.

To ensure that you are always safe on the road, companies like American Traffic Solutions will install cameras, traffic lights, warning signs and diversions to ensure we stay safe. However, the safety of ourselves and the people around us is not only down to the authorities. We have a responsibility to make sure that we drive safely and that our car is safe to drive.

There are some great pieces of tech we can install into our cars which make driving much safer, and therefore being on the roads a less hazardous affair.

Rear-view camera

One of the things which can make a massive difference to the way we drive our vehicles is the ability to see where we are reversing. Rather than you having to guess where the cars are in each side of when reversing into a bay, the camera will show you and make it easier for you to drive. It also means that if anything appears at the back of the car such as a cat, you can avoid hitting it.

Phone technology

One of the most common causes of road accidents is texting or talking on the phone while driving. Having your phone either lifted up to your ear or under your steering wheel is a huge danger to you and everyone around you. The great thing is that you can get a car which has the ability to stop you from using your phone on the road. Most newer models will now have Bluetooth in the onboard system which will allow you to connect your phone and talk hands free. Another great feature which Ford has introduced is the ability for your car to read message out to you. This saves you being tempted to take your eyes off the road when you receive a message. You are then able to auto reply with ‘Call me back later’ and carry on your drive.

Lane Keeping

Don’t you just hate it when people swerve in and out of lanes for no reason? This can happen especially when a driver isn’t paying attention to the road. Luckily, many cars can now detect a subtle change in lane positioning and will correct this automatically. It means that if a driver is too busy texting to pay attention to the road. The car will move itself back into the lane and stay there.

Collision Prevention

You may remember your driving lessons when one day your instructor told you to break in the middle of the road. Learning how to emergency stop is a skill you are taught in case of an accident, however sometimes you simply cannot predict what will happen. The great thing is, some cars will do it for you. The Honda Accord for example will sense an accident happening and slam the brakes on before you even notice what it happening, it can save your life, and it will certainly make your car much safer on the road.

Electric Car Maintenance

Maintenance Musts: Essential Steps Every Electric Car Owner Should Take

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Every car owner should take steps to keep their vehicle in tip-top condition. If you’re prepared to look after your car, you’re likely to save money on repairs, and your wagon will be worth more if you ever come to sell. Electric cars are a different proposition to traditional motors, but this doesn’t mean that maintenance is any less important. Here are some essentials for every electric car owner.

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Servicing

All cars, regardless of the type of technology or fuel they use, need to be serviced on a regular basis. Servicing involves a series of basic and routine checks, which are designed to ensure that the car is running well and reduce the risk of problems developing. You have to pay for a service, but keeping up to date with services could save you a huge amount of money in the long-term. Servicing an electric vehicle is often more straightforward and therefore cheaper than traditional cars, as there are fewer parts and the mechanisms are simpler. If your car is due a service, look for local garages that offer maintenance checks for electric cars.

Cleaning and polishing

If you’re a driver who takes pride in the appearance of their car, microfiber car wash towels are an excellent investment. Cleaning won’t prolong your car’s life expectancy, but it’ll make the car look more attractive, it will enhance the driving experience, and it’ll make the vehicle more marketable if you come to sell. If you use a car for business purposes, cleaning and polishing the vehicle will help to give off the right impression and enhance the appeal of your brand.

Taking care of your battery

There may be different guidelines for optimum charging for different makes and models, but it’s important to take care of your battery regardless of the type of car you drive. Nissan recommends charging the battery to 80 percent, rather than 100 percent to prolong the life of the battery. Check with the manufacturer so that you get the best out of your battery. While it may not always be the best option to drive with a full battery, it’s certainly not advisable to run your car on empty. Avoid getting to the stage where the battery is on 1 percent.

Tire tips

All drivers should check their tire pressure and tread depth on a regular basis. If your tires are worn, or they’re under-inflated, this can affect the driving experience, as well as putting you and other drivers at risk. Check the air pressure before long journeys and take a minute to inspect the surfaces of the tires. If the pressure is running low and you’ve only just pumped the tires up, you may have a slow puncture, and it’s worth trying to repair the tire or replacing it with a spare.

If you own an electric car, it makes sense to try and keep it in pristine condition for as long as possible. Taking good care of your car will enhance safety, save on repair costs and boost the value if you choose to sell.