Thursday, February 28, 2008

How to Make a Bootlegger Turn

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

A bootlegger turn is a stunt, often seen in movies, done by a car. A car comes hurtling towards a roadblock, then swerves on the spot in a 180 degree turn and starts going back the other way. If you have ever wanted to do that, this will show you how to do that. Make sure you read the warnings so that you don't crash your car. This is not dangerous as long as you do it correctly and in an open space.

Steps

Drive along in your open space until you reach about 50 mph.
Yank on the handbrake and turn the car whichever way you prefer. The handbrake should cause the brakes to lock.
After the brakes have locked, release the handbrake. Essentially you should be just pushing down the releasing the handbrake straight away. Keep the wheel turned in the direction you are going.
When your car is pointing in the direction you want to go, straighten out the wheel and push on the accelerator. If you are in the direction you want, your car hasn't flipped over and you haven't broken anything then you will be going in the opposite direction you were going in before.

Tips

There are two main rules which you must follow if you want to do this successfully.
1. Low wheel base. If you try to do this in a tall vehicle (like a van), you stand a good chance of the vehicle falling over. The general rule is, if it can be pushed over without lifting underneath then it isn't good for a bootlegger.
2. 50mph. Not any more, and preferably not much less. If you go faster, you will be doing an uncontrolled spin and when you stop you could be pointing in any direction. If you do less than that, your car will skid to a stop before you finish your spin.

Warnings

Don't do it in a small area or a narrow street, because you could crash into a wall. Best place to do this is out in the country in a wide open space with lots of room and a good run-up.
Low wheel base!
50 mph!

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Make a Bootlegger Turn. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

How to Perform a Reverse 180 in a Car

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

This maneuver is a fun, easy and it allows you to get your car moving in the opposite direction without having to perform a u-turn.

Steps

Start from a stopped position. This maneuver can get you turned around even in a tight location (without performing an 8-point turn).
Check to make sure you have enough room to have the car sideways, and then some.
- Without enough room (especially when you are learning) it is easy to damage your car or other property. It is best practiced in an empty parking lot or dirt area (dirt will give you the same skills, but requires less speed, and will cause less tire wear).
Drive to one end of the area (from now on it will be assumed you are in a parking lot) with your back-end pointed in the direction you wish to go. Accelerate in reverse to 10-30MPH.
- The faster you go, the easier it is to get the front to come around, but it also becomes increasingly more dangerous and more likely to damage something. Slower reverse-180s are more difficult to perform, but is still a very good thing to practice.
- In a FWD/AWD car, this next step is easy. Turn the wheel in one direction to initiate the front end sliding. Giving a bit more gas as soon as you start the turn will help a bit. As soon as the front of the vehicle starts sliding, press the brakes lightly, put the car in neutral, and be ready to put it into gear.
- In a RWD car, turn the wheel in one direction to initiate the front end sliding, but at the exact same time, press the brake pedal pretty hard, do not lock up your brakes, but this helps your vehicle pivot on the rear tires. Put the car in neutral, and be ready to put it into gear.
Put the car in gear (drive) as soon as the slide is half-way through. Be prepared to step on the gas. As soon as you are pointed in the direction you desire to go, hit the accelerator and make any minor adjustments to your driving angle with your steering wheel.
Remember, when you initiate the spin, you car will not go straight back, it will move somewhat in the opposite direction that you slide the front end, so be aware that your backend may hit something (give it extra room).
Practice spinning in both directions. Experiment with different amounts of gas and brakes at the outset of the slide.

Tips

Try it a few times in dirt or snow first, as you are able to go slower, before you try it on asphalt.
It is a considerably easier to keep control of this maneuver with a front wheel drive vehicle.
To initiate a more aggressive turn, first turn the wheel slightly in the opposite direction from which you intend to spin. This is called countersteering, and is used commonly by cyclists and motorcyclists to turn corners. Once the vehicle shifts it's weight to the side that you are countersteering, then turn the wheel hard in the (other) intended direction of spin with a burst of gas (FWD only) to initiate the spin more concisely.
Remember, to exit the spin you must return your wheels to "straight" that is parallel to the intended direction of travel.
You may even try pulling the hand brake and turning the steering in any direction but note that it can only be done at high speeds like above 40Kmph.

Warnings

While it is possible to perform this with a SUV or pickup truck, do not attempt it with one. The danger of flipping the vehicle is much too high with a vehicle that has a high center of gravity.
Wear your safety belt, as even with a low slung passenger car, it is possible to flip the vehicle if you hit a large rock or other obstruction mid turn.
If you do not put the car in neutral soon enough, or put in the car in gear (drive) too soon, you have the possibility of messing up your transmission.
May cause death.

Related wikiHows

External Links

The J-Turn technique explained with illustrations

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Perform a Reverse 180 in a Car. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

When is the best time to buy a new car?

There are two "best times" to buy a car. The end of December is a good time for car buyers to buy a new car. Everyone is out buying XMAS gifts, leaving new car dealer lots void of customers, motivating dealers to cut prices, and break year end sales records. Another good time to buy a car is July to October as new car dealers sell off cars at low prices to clear space for new car models. Secret factory to dealer incentives can be $1000-$6000 in addition to new car consumer rebates! In November, 2003 BMW had a $5000 secret factory to dealer incentive on the 7 series! If they sell you the car at invoice, they earned $5000 more. You should haggle over this incentive, many dealers willingly give up all or part of this incentive, making your cost lower.

Monday, February 25, 2008

How to install Satellite Radio in your Car

How to Install Satellite Radio Into Your Car

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Commercials got you down? Get a satellite radio receiver! Here's how to install one!

Steps

Put the satellite radio receiver mount on the windshield.
Put the satellite radio receiver on the satellite radio receiver mount.
Mount the satellite radio antenna onto your car's roof or rear deck and route the satellite radio antenna wiring to your satellite radio receiver.
Plug the jack end of the car power adaptor into the satellite radio receiver. Plug the other end of the car power adaptor into either your cigarette lighter or power outlet.
Plug the antenna into the satellite radio receiver.
Turn your satellite radio receiver on, and tune it to the preview channel.
Activate your satellite radio receiver.
Follow the instructions on the satellite radio receiver's display.
Tune your car's radio to 88.1 FM. (Default Channel)
Enjoy your satellite radio!

Things You'll Need

1 Satellite Radio Receiver (SIRIUS Or XM)
1 Satellite Radio Antenna (SIRIUS Or XM)
1 Satellite Radio Mount
1 Car Radio
Car Speakers
1 Credit Card (For Activating)
1 Telephone Or 1 Computer With Internet Access (For Activating)

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Install Satellite Radio Into Your Car. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Friday, February 22, 2008

How to switch a car's tires

How to Switch the Wheels on a Car

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

An editor has suggested that this article be merged with: "How to SpecialChange a Tire" Per the merge policy, if these topics are determined to be similar but distinct, then the articles will remain separate. Please comment on the discussion page. Notice added on {{{date}}}.
This will show you how changing a tire can be done safely, quickly, and easily.

Steps

Move the car to a level, flat surface. If you aren't in a driveway or garage, turn on your hazard lights.
Place pieces of wood or large rocks in front and in back of the tire that is diagonally across from the one being changed to keep the car from rolling. Make sure this wheel will not roll. If it's a rear wheel, set the parking brake. If it's a front wheel on a front wheel drive car, be sure the car is in park (automatic transmission) or in first gear (manual transmission). If the car is standard (manual transmission).
Remove hub cap - Use a flat screwdriver or the flat end of the lug wrench to remove the hubcap. Once it is removed, place the hubcap in your trunk so it doesn't get scratched up.
Loosen wheel nuts - Now, fit one end of the lug-nut wrench on to the lug nut and turn it counter clockwise. Only loosen each nut about a quarter turn. Continue until you've loosened each lug nut.
Find your car's jacking point. An older car may just use the frame, a newer car will have two notches or tabs on the seam below the door that the factory jack will fit into. Place the jack in place and raise the car slowly. Make sure the car doesn't try to roll away as the wheel comes off the ground.
Jack the car up until it is high enough to remove the old wheel and put the new wheel on. The new wheel may be bigger in diameter than the old flat wheel. You need enough room for the new tire to fit.
With the wheel in the air, remove the lug nuts and place them on a towel so they won't roll away.
Remove the wheel from the car. Make sure you have a firm grip so it doesn't roll away. Take the spare tire out of the trunk, and put the old tire in the trunk.
Match the holes of the new wheel with the stud bolts on the car and and set the wheel on the studs.
Start putting the lug nuts back on. Make sure the rounded end of the nut goes towards the wheel or your wheel will be loose. The nuts should go most of the way in by hand. Take your lug wrench and tighten them as much as you can with the wheel in the air. You're going to tighten them again later, but you don't want the wheel moving around on the studs.
Check each lug nut again for tightness.
Lower the car on the jack until the wheel begins to touch the ground. Tighten your lug nuts with your lug wrench (clockwise to tighten). They should be very tight. If you're a small to medium build person, I would say they should be as tight as you can get them. If you're a body builder, just don't break the studs.
Lower the car the rest of the way.
Remove the jack and store it back in its proper location.
Replace the hubcap. Be sure it is on securely and evenly. If you are not comfortable that the hubcap is secure, remove it and have someone help you at a later time.

Tips

Make sure the tire air valve faces "out" on the spare tire.
Call Road side assistance.
Don't lose your lug nuts. Make sure you place them in a safe place where no one will come along and kick them all over the road.
If the wheel is too heavy to lift on - Lower the jack and lean the wheel beside the studs. Raise the jack while aligning the studs/holes.

Warnings

Use caution while the car is held with the jack. Stay away from under the car.
Do not jack your car up on a hill or otherwise uneven surface.
If changing tire on the Road Side. Don't get hit by a passing car.

Things You'll Need

Spare tire
Jack
Lug wrench - Or any other tool that can get the nuts off.A socket set will do it too.
Tire blocks - If you don't have blocks you can still change the tyre, just be more careful about the car rolling away
Gloves - If you've got gloves you won't need the wash cloth. You can still change the tires without gloves.
Towel or washcloth - You don't need one but if you've got it then use it to wash your dirty hands

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Switch the Wheels on a Car. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Increase your car's resale value.

How to Increase Your Car's Resale Value

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Five ways to get as much as possible at trade-in time:
If you only plan to keep your car a few years, then it's in your best interest to keep its resale value as high as possible -- after all, that's more money to put down on your next new car. These five tips will put your car well ahead of the pack and help to maximize its resale value.

Steps

Buy a car that will hold its value. Resale value is based on many factors, including desireability and reliability. Some makes, such as Toyota, Honda, Subaru and Lexus, always hold their value well. Imports generally hold their value better than American cars. Use a good used car pricing site, such as Edmunds.com (an About.com partner) or Kelley Blue Book, to research the resale history of models in which you are interested.
Follow the maintenance schedule and keep all receipts. You'll find the maintenance schedule in the back of the owner's manual. Keep receipts for all maintenance and repair work, no matter how minor. A stack of receipts underscores the fact that your car has been well taken care of. Savvy used car buyers will be willing to pay extra for a car with a fully documented service history.
Don't crash. Any history of collision damage can ding your car's resale value, and a trained used car appraiser can spot body work from a mile away. If your car is in a collision, use an experienced repair shop with a good reputation and insist on using factory (also known as OEM, for Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. Save all receipts and be up front and honest about any collision repair work when it comes time to sell or trade. Being evasive about collision repair may lead the buyer to believe that the damage was more extensive than you are letting on.
Resist the urge to customize. Spending money on your car can actually decrease its value.
Keep it clean. The better your car appears to be kept up, the more it will be worth, and most people associate cleanliness with care. Washing and waxing your car on a regular basis is a much easier way to keep it looking good than paying for an expensive detail job when the time comes to sell.

Tips

Some options, such as air conditioning or a sunroof, will improve your car's resale value; consider buying them even if they aren't on your personal must-have list.
If you do have your car customized, stick to non-intrusive upgrades such as new wheels or an upgraded stereo that won't require extensive re-wiring or cutting up the dashboard. Save the old parts so you have the option of returning your car to its original condition before selling.

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Increase Your Car's Resale Value. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

How to hotwire a car

How to Hotwire a Car

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

It's not just criminals who may feel the need to hotwire a car. Everyone knows that "I lost my keys" feeling, and there are ways to get out of trouble. Hotwiring is a technique traditionally used by criminals and should be discouraged.
The following situations may prompt a person to think of hotwiring their car.

Lost Keys.
Broken or deformed Key.
Malfunctioning ignition or starter lock out switch
Wish to steal a car without keys

Steps

Find the yellow and black wires make sure you don't pick the radio wire which is also.This may not work with older models.
Touch them together to create a circuit.
The car will start up!
(Warning: Only use this technique when you need to.)

Tips

You should always have a spare car key at your home, for use in emergencies. Keep an extra key in your wallet or purse and get in the habit of ALWAYS checking that you have your wallet or purse before leaving your car.
Always have breakdown insurance coverage (often called roadside assistance), that will at least get you (and your car) home.
Make sure you have details that prove you own the car or have permission to hotwire it.

Warnings

Don't break the law. Car crime is a 'felony' (serious crime) in the United States, and most other countries. Punishments normally involve a prison term, which can mean the loss of voting rights, exclusion from work, difficulty in obtaining licenses, exclusion from possession of firearms, and ineligibility for election to public office.
This method bypasses the neutral safty feature of your car. If your car is in gear it may start moving and cause INJURY OR DEATH. Be sure your vehicle is in neutral before atempting this.
Never keep your spare keys inside the vehicle. It doesn't help when you're locked out, unless you are willing to break a window.
In all reality, the color of the wire does not matter, please locate, under the steering column, two wires coming from the ignition. Those are the two wires, it is false to state they're the same color in every car.
By hot wiring a car, it can void a warranty and cause a lot of wear on your starter.
This procedure is very likely to fail with any recent (1995-onwards) vehicle due to such things as vehicle immobilisers, body computers, and coded keys. Fiddling with the ignition key wiring on such vehicles will likely result in a much more immobile vehicle in very short order.

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

Breakdown Direct offer national free Key Replacement. UK Only.
BullDog Wiring Diagrams (Free)

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Hotwire a Car. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Be happy with your car

How to Be Happy With Your Car

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Being content and thankful for what you have is a good way to stay positive. Unfortunately, not all people can afford a fancy, sporty, or exotic car. It isn't always easy to be content with your humble or merely average car.

Steps

Think about what your car does for you. Does it get you to work, school, and other events on time? Be glad that you have a car. Back when there were no cars, you would have had to travel by horse or on foot. Some people cannot afford a car at all.
Look at your car's exterior. Do the doors open properly? Does the car have all four wheels? Learn to accept the way you car looks on the outside. Don't be too concerned about what other's think of the car. Chances are you don't know them, so they probably don't really care. Now look at the interior. Do the windows open? Does the car have air conditioning and or heating? What about a radio? Think of all the positives about your car.
Think about what would having a fancy, fast, sporty, or exotic car do for you. People won't like you for your car. In fact, instead of admiring your car, it would probably just make them jealous. What good would that do?
Think about the downsides of owning a nice car. If you got a dent or a burn hole, it would be a big deal. With a beater, it does not matter.
Customize your car. It does not have to be expensive. Add action figures on the dash, quotes on your ceiling, or pictures of friends/family on front of your glove box. There are also some inexpensive things you can buy at most auto shops such as seat covers or fuzzy dice.
Assuming it's legal in your district, opt for a cheap manual custom spray job and/or neons. Research first, through Google or otherwise, to make sure that your car isn't going to be drooping paint in the rain for a week or blow up when you switch on the neons, and be sure to check with a legal professional or your local police station first.
Name your car. Talk to him or her when he or she acts up or pulls through in the clutch. Random names such as "Slippery Pete" are good as well as names that identify funny things about your car such as "Rusty".
Go on a spontaneous road trip with your friends. Memories will help you appreciate your car better.

Tips

Don't worry about what others think of the car. Chances are that they don't know you and you'll probably never see them again. On top of that, most people don't really care about your car's appearance.
Only think about the positive things about your car.
Clean your interior. Dust the dash, vacuum the carpet, then use air fresheners such as Auto-Febreeze. This will make a surprisingly huge difference on your attitude towards your car.

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Be Happy With Your Car. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Check out a used car before buying it.

How to Check out a Used Car Before Buying It

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

If you are thinking about purchasing a used car, you know how confusing it can be. There are so many things to consider that it can be a daunting experience. This is even truer if you are considering buying a car for the first time. There are many things to look for when purchasing a used car but one important factor is to give the car a physical check before making your final decision. Here, then, are a few general pointers on how to physically check out a used car before you buy it.

Steps

Make sure that the car is on level ground before checking it out. This is to ensure that you will be able to clearly check the tires and to see if there is anything sagging on the car.
Carefully check the paint job of the car, taking note of any rust spots, dents or scratches. Look at the sides of the car from end-on for waviness; that indicates paint work. Run your finger along the edges of the joints between panels; roughness indicates residue left from masking tape.
Check the trunk of the car to make sure it is still in good condition. It should not show any sign of rust, or water entry due to cracks or holes. Wear inside of the trunk indicates usage of the car.
Check under the hood of the car for any indication of dents, damage or rust. These can all be signs that the car was either poorly taken care of or damaged. Each fender, just inside where the hood joins should have the decal with the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of the car; if one is missing, that fender was replaced.
The hoses and belts should not have cracks, the radiator hoses should not be soft.
Go inside the car and check the seats and upholstery of the car for any tears, rips, stains, or other type of damage.
Check to make sure the air-conditioning of the car is working well by turning it on to see that it works. If air conditioning is a must buy a car with R134 coolant. Most cars fitted with R134 are 1993 or newer and have a sticker on the AC Condenser.
Check the odometer of the car for the mileage. This is important because the mileage indicates the car’s age. On the average, a normal driver will drive between 10,000 to 15,000 miles a year; however, this depends on many factors. Remember, cars age by time and mileage. Buying a 10 year old car with very low miles is not necessarily a good thing.
Test drive the car before making any final decisions. This is perhaps one of the best ways to know the condition of the car. Hence, a buyer should make all effort to do a test drive first before coming to any decisions.
Check out the car's service history which should give you some information regarding the performances, repairs, and problems of the car. Ideally, the current owner would have kept a record of the times when the car needed servicing and should be willing to show you this information. There are instances where used cars are sold because of past accidents or negative experiences.
Be sure to check the brakes of the car by pressing down hard enough on the brakes to decelerate rapidly, but not enough to slide. Try this going around 30 mph in an area without traffic. You should not feel any vibration from the brake pedal, or hear any squealing or strange noises. Brakes that pulsate indicate the need for having the rotors resurfaced or replaced and new pads installed. It should not swerve; this can be caused by a bad brake caliper or worn steering components.
Inspect the engine for any sort of leaks, or corrosion. On the engine block, look for any dark brown oil stains, this will indicate that there is a leak in a gasket, and could possibly lead to an expensive repair in the future. Check the brake fluid, and reservoir to make sure its is not leaking. The belts should look new (i.e. not have cracks or signs of drying). Old belts can snap, and if you do not know how to replace them, it will cost between $100-500 depending on which belt goes bad.
Remove the oil filler cap. A foam residue on the inside indicates a leaking head gasket. Forget that car. Look at the condition of the coolant in the overflow jar; filthy brown coolant means it's never been flushed and often means a leaky head gasket.
Pull the transmission dipstick; the fluid should be pink or red. An old car may be dark but it should not look or smell burnt. It should also be full (check with the engine running).
The timing belt is the most important belt in the engine, and is also the most costly to replace. If the car is equipped with a steel timing chain, you don't have to worry about this. Normal lifespan of a timing belt is from 60-100+ thousand miles; this depends on the manufacturer.
The tires should be worn evenly and they should match. Look at the surface of the tire for feathering (bad alignment). Bad alignment can be caused by worn steering/suspension components, the pothole down the street or frame damage.
Never buy a frame damaged car. Check the saddle (connects the front fenders and holds the top of the radiator). It should not be welded on either side, it should be bolted in. Inspect the bolt heads at the top of the fenders inside the hood; scratch marks indicates that the fenders have been replaced or realigned (after a crash). Look for welds inside the door jambs.
If you are able, try to get under the car when it is safely raised and inspect the exhaust system or any under-body rust. This is also the time to inspect for frame or unibody damage.
It is definitely worth the money to go to a mechanic and have them inspect it. This will cost some money, but its better to pay 50-75 bucks to get a car inspected and find out its not worth the investment, than to spend $10,000 on a car and find out within a few months, you are going to have to spend more money on repairs for it.
Do not pay sticker price. A used car is a negotiable item. Do not feel the need to pay the price they are asking. The dealer bought this car at a low price, and is turning around and selling it for much more than they purchased it with the notion that they might have to lower that sticker price. Depending on the quality of the vehicle, feel free to offer a price. Be sure that it is a reasonable offer. If the dealer is asking $15,000, do not offer $10,000. It is merely an insult by doing this. If the car is over $10,000, try to negotiate at least $1500 off of the car. You can pre-qualify yourself at your bank or at a Credit Union. That will determine what you can spend for a car. Try to buy a car that is less than they tell you. Most people try to buy more car than they can really afford. Remember, no matter how good that car is today, it is going to require maintenance in the future. Use parts of the car that are unflattering to your advantage. If a car is not the color you are looking for, tell the dealer "I really like the car, but I don't like that it is green, that is the only thing holding me back from buying it" The dealer will see that you want it, and find some way to get you into that car.

Tips

Vehicle History Reports are inexpensive and can contain very valuable information. Don't read too deep! The important things are: Accidents and Odometer Discrepancies. If you are looking at a car from a dealer have them provide you with a vehicle history report (Carfax). Make sure they give you the last page off the printer.
Buying a car from your choice service center is the best way to ensure long term satisfaction. If buying from a dealer with no service center have the car checked out by your mechanic!
Certified Cars cost a little more have some assurances and usually a warranty.
Compare the condition of the car's interior to the readout on the odometer. A car that ostensibly has 15,000 miles on it will probably not have a driver's seat that looks like it's been savagely beaten - repeatedly - with a meat tenderizer. An overly worn passenger compartment coupled with low mileage can be an indication of odometer fraud.
Beware of UFOs...Unidentified Funky Odors. It can be very difficult and expensive to get a strange smell out of a used car.
Use an online service like Edmunds.com to help value the car. Use Consumer Reports Buying Guide to check out the general reputation of the car. Don't pay thousands more for a great reputation. A Camry is a great car but it's still just a machine. A Buick Lesabre is a very good car and can be had for thousands less. In an older car, condition is much more important than the nameplate.

Warnings

If after doing this preliminary checkup of the car you think you would like to proceed further with the purchase of the car, seek out the professional opinion of a qualified mechanic. This is a good idea if this the first time you are buying a car or if you have little or no experience with cars. The current owner of the car should have no objections to you having the car checked out further by a mechanic; if the owner does have some objections to this, it could be because there may be something to hide, and in which case you will want to look elsewhere for your purchase.
If you live somewhere (such as the state of California) that requires a smog or emissions test on most vehicles, be sure to get the car tested before you purchase it. Repairs to the emission control system can be very expensive and any car that fails inspection will usually need to be fixed before it can be registered. Also, cars with serious wear to internal engine components such as piston rings or valve seats may not pass an emissions test; a smog check can be a good way to make sure that a car is both running properly now and does not have major mechanical defects that will cause you trouble down the road. This test can easily be combined with a vehicle inspection by a qualified mechanic. For places where a smog check is not needed, be sure that a mechanic checks the engine's compression which will also help indicate whether there are internal engine wear problems (this is a particular concern for vehicles with more than 50,000 miles).

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Check out a Used Car Before Buying It. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Friday, February 15, 2008

How to Get Rid of an Old Car

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

That old clunker in your yard can be worth money to you! Luckily the hunk of junk you are looking to lose can be turned into money, a tax deduction, or just a little good will.If you do not get the price you ask, think about giving it away to a charity organization, and you will have a tax write off come tax season!

Steps

Decide whether to sell your car, give it away, or chop it up.
Consider not wasting too much money on advertising. Try a web based service first. Advertising there is free and will let those in your local area know about what you are offering.
Think about donating your car to a family member or someone who needs it.
Consider donating to a local charity which is set up to accept car donations. Your local Public TV may do this. If so, they will send someone to pick up your car and give you a receipt for a donation. You may be able to use this as a tax deduction. They will probably not use your car, but rather, will have an agreement with someone who will give them a little money for the car and then sell it at auction.
Sell pieces of your car if none of the above will work for you. Old models especially are good for this. Car buffs are always searching online auction pages in order to find parts to replace headlights, or turn signals or bumpers, etc. of their own similar cars.

Tips

Know the value of your car before you try to sell it. Look up the blue book value, take it to a used car dealer for an offer, or check the classifieds or online auctions. Maybe a car of similar age and type is being offered.
America Car Donation

Warnings

When you sell or give, get the name of the buyer and a signed bill of sale. In some states, you will need to produce this in order to prove that you no longer own the car. This will help you to avoid having to pay registration fees and fines in the future.

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Get Rid of an Old Car. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

How to Get a Good Deal on a Used Car

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Check out these tips on finding a good deal on a used car.

Steps

Great news for deal hunters. Finding a great used car deal doesn’t have to be hard. Often, it just takes time and effort but you will be glad you did when you are driving a new set of wheels without risking serious debt.
Its important to note - getting a cheap car is one thing, getting a good value from a used car is another. To be sure your discount vehicle is really as good a deal as it seems, you'll need to think about what other costs you might be facing because of it. Keeping up with a cheap car can be expensive. Something to be on the lookout for when buying a used car is any accident damage or other problems with important structural items like the frame or suspension.
Finding a cheap car is not hard - if you know where to look and what to pay attention for. A good way to start is right in your own neighborhood. If you are in the market for used car deals, you can find allot of cheap cars in the local paper under estate auctions. You could also check out the used car deals at your local dealership.
Another great source for finding a used car deal is auto auctions. At an auto auction, cars are sold to the person who places the highest bid. Auctions are one of the best sources for finding discounts on used vehicles. You should know that the pace at these auctions is usually very high paced.
Getting a good deal on a used car at an auto auction is quite simple and very real. In fact, auto auctions are where many used car dealers go to find deals for their sales lot. For those who are bold and serious about buying a car at a steep discount, attending a live government seized auto auction should be top on your list.

Tips

Know the Blue Book value of the car you are looking at
Inspect any car before you buy, take it to your mechanic if possible

Warnings

Beware of Flood recovered cars. Do a vehicle history check if uncertain
Make sure the car has a clean title

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

http://www.govautoauction.info

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Get a Good Deal on a Used Car. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

How to Buy a Car Like a Dealer

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Most people buy a car from a dealer, paying for a markup in return for various services. Dealers act as middlemen between the consumer and wholesale distributors. Many wholesale distributors sell vehicles in dealer-only auctions for prices far lower than the general public can find at any location. In this wikiHow we'll look at the basic steps to take in order to purchase a car at or near wholesale cost.

Steps

Know the difference between a dealer-only wholesale auction and a public, repossession or other retail auction.
- A dealer-only auction requires a car dealer license in all 50 states and is the main way dealerships rotate excess inventory. Unlike public auctions dealer-only auctions tend to offer close to new cars, new cars, recent trade-ins or just off-lease vehicles. In addition, many vehicles are detailed, have existing warranties and are carefully rated as to condition.
- Public car auctions are open to anybody, including savvy dealers, so the prices may not be as low as the hype suggests. You see these advertised all over the place including online and in the backs of newspapers.
Decide which car you want, the options you need, and the condition for which you are willing to settle. Be as flexible as you can as you will be buying at auction.
Use an independent source to determine the wholesale and retail values of your target vehicle. The two most frequently used sources for this are the NADA guide and the Kelly "Blue Book".
Settle on a budget. Do not forget that your final price will include taxes, registration and other fees.
Decide that you will not exceed this budget under any circumstances; a key aspect of buying a car like a dealer is not to let emotions cause you to spend more than you decided to.
Get access to wholesale auctions using one of these methods:
- Locate, research and retain a proxy buyer or proxy dealer who has access to wholesale auctions. A proxy buyer is an individual (sometimes a group) who has a legal dealer license and runs a service where he or she attends wholesale auctions to buy an individual car for you.
- Acquire a dealer license. This is typically a time-consuming and expensive process that is not practical unless you plan to buy and sell cars as a business. States rely on taxing dealerships for income, so there is little or no incentive for a state to grant a license to an individual who does not plan to operate as a car dealer.
Research local auctions to find out times, locations and get a list of available vehicles. Once you have found one that has the vehicle you want, make arrangements to attend the auction or have your proxy buyer attend the auction.
Make any necessary financial arrangements. Each auto auction will have its own terms; verify these in advance make sure that you have the correct payment options available if you win the car.
Stay in close contact with your proxy buyer while locating the car you want through purchase and delivery.

Tips

Check out the CarFax and recall list for that particular car you are searching for.
Check for the value of the vehicle on websites such as KBB.
Follow the same guidelines you would for buying any new or used car.
Compare proxy-dealer services carefully, including fees, availability of warranty and any other factors.
Buying at wholesale often includes an original manufacturers' warranty. It is a good idea to select this option.

Warnings

Make sure you are working with a reputable proxy dealer who won't disappear after your purchase.
In most states it is a misdemeanor offense to buy or sell too many cars per year without a dealer license. This number varies by state, so be sure to know what your laws are.
Beware of traditional car dealers who offer a wholesale or proxy service. Why would they do this? If something is too good to be true, it probably is a ripoff.

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Buy a Car Like a Dealer. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Changing a tire

How to Change a Tire

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Have you ever gotten stuck helplessly on the side of the road with a flat, or do you dread someday getting trapped in that kind of scenario? Do you want to be able to change a tire without having to ask for help? Luckily for you, changing a tire is a pretty simple task, if you don't mind a little bit of elbow grease!

Steps

Make sure that you are on stable ground (avoid hills). If possible, it is a good idea to place a heavy object (such as a brick) in front of the front tire(if changing a rear tire), and vice versa.
Get the spare tire and the jack. Place the jack under the frame near the tire that you are going to change. Make sure that you place it where it will meet the metal portion of the frame. Many cars are made from molded plastic, and if you don't place the jack in the right spot, it will crack the body when you start lifting. If you're not sure about the right place to put the jack, read your owner's manual.
Remove the hub cap and loosen (counterclockwise) the nuts about 1/3 to 1/2 of the way and lift the car. Having the wheel on the ground means that you're turning the nuts instead of the wheel. Don't take them all the way off. Just break the resistance. Use the cross wrench. Your wrench may have different sizes of openings on different ends. Place the right size of the wrench on the lug nut. The right size is the one that slips easily over the nut but does not rattle.
Pump or crank the jack to lift the tire off the ground. Remove the nuts the rest of the way. Turn them counter clockwise until they are loose. Repeat with all lug nuts, then remove the nuts completely.
Remove the tire. Place the flat tire under the vehicle so in event of jack failure the vehicle will fall on the old wheel, hopefully preventing injury. If the jack is placed on a flat, solid base, you shouldn't have any problems!
Place the spare tire on the wheel, taking care to align the rim of the spare tire with the wheel bolts, and tighten the nuts as much as possible. To ensure the tire is balanced, don't completely tighten the nuts one at a time. Going in a cross pattern around the tire, one nut across from another, give each one a full turn until they are equally tight.
Lower the car to the ground, but do not put full weight on it yet. Finish tightening the nuts as much as possible. Lower the car to the ground fully. Remove the jack. Tighten the nuts again. Replace the hubcap.
Put the old tire in your trunk and take it to a mechanic. Small puncture wounds can usually be repaired for less than $10. If the tire is not repairable, they can dispose of it properly.

Tips

Loosen the nuts prior to lifting with the jack.
Tighten as much as a possible prior to lowering to the ground.
If your wheels have locking lug nuts, be sure to keep the key-lug where you can easily find it. You will need it to change the tire.
Most spare tires are not rated for more than 50 MPH, nor for long distances. Exceeding this speed can cause problems, including failure of the spare tire. Instead, drive slowly and carefully to a shop and have your tire repaired or replaced.
When loosening and tightening the nuts, arrange the cross wrench so that you are pressing down (with gravity). This will remove risk of injury to your back and also allow you to use your body weight rather than just your arm strength. Press on the end of the wrench for the best leverage. You can even use your foot, but make sure to keep your balance and steady yourself against the car.
Familiarize yourself with this procedure and with the particulars for your car before you get a flat tire, so that you don't have to learn by the side of the road, in the dark, in the rain.
Check occasionally to make sure that your spare tire has sufficient air in it.

Warnings

Do not use the lug wrench to start off the lug nuts when putting them back on. Use your hands, to avoid cross-threading the nut.
Be aware of your surroundings. If you're on a busy road, be particularly wary of vehicles driving by that might get too close. There are hundreds of people killed each year while changing a tire on the side of the road -- don't do it unless you must.
Don't step out of your car to flag someone down!! There are too many "good Samaritans" with bad intentions. Unfortunately, there are malicious folks out there, and if you're a woman stuck on the road in the middle of nowhere and it's dark, you will be a target. If you decide you are unable to change your tire, call someone.

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Change a Tire. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Monday, February 11, 2008

Resaerch Car Dealers in your area

The most important thing when buying a new car is to do your research. Click the following link to find reviews on the local car dealers in your area.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Fuel Saving Tips

From Cars.com
Revive the Classics
The biggest fuel savings comes not from hybrid technology but from the old standards: car pooling and public transportation. If you and just one friend or neighbor trade off commuting to and from work, you cut your fuel usage by about 50 percent. No other step will save you as much money. Also, if you have two vehicles in the family motor pool, leave the thirstier one in the garage as often as possible.

Public transportation saves fuel, and possibly money. It also decreases congestion, which saves everyone fuel. Help yourself and everyone else; be part of the solution.

Get the Lead Out
Weight is fuel economy's natural enemy, so removing unnecessary items — or people — from your car can translate to real fuel savings.

Get the Leadfoot Out
You can save fuel immediately in whatever you drive by going easy on the accelerator. Jack rabbit starts and full-throttle acceleration boost fuel consumption dramatically. It's all a matter of degree: Light acceleration saves more than moderate acceleration.

Top speed also plays a part. Most vehicles are most efficient when cruising in their top gear at a relatively low speed. For example, a car with a five-speed transmission would be most efficient in 5th gear at 40 to 55 mph. Wind resistance increases exponentially with speed, so as your pace increases from this point, fuel economy drops dramatically. Onboard trip computers that show instantaneous and average fuel economy are remarkably accurate. Keep an eye on this and you'll learn how to drive in a miserly fashion.

An Ounce of Prevention
Keeping your tires inflated properly and your engine running right is critical to efficient motoring. Underinflated tires can lower your fuel economy by full miles per gallon. (Get the proper inflation pressure from the sticker on your car's doorjamb or the owner's manual, and not the tire's sidewall.) Even if your car seems to be running well, that perplexing Check Engine light could represent a dead oxygen sensor or some other emissions control problem that causes the vehicle to waste several miles per gallon.

Open Windows or Air Conditioning?
This is an age-old conundrum. (Unlike a car's heater, which uses free engine heat to warm the cabin, the air conditioner robs engine power and lowers fuel economy.) So which approach is better? Sorry, but it's not as simple as one or the other.

If your car has been sitting in the sun and is hotter than the outside air, drive for a few minutes with the windows open to cool it off. Then, if you're hitting the highway, close 'em up and turn on the A/C. Aerodynamics are more important at high speeds, so if you're not exceeding 35 or 40 mph, open windows won't make as much difference. It also depends on the vehicle. The detriment from driving with the windows down is greater, say, in a Chevy Corvette, which has excellent aerodynamics, than in a Hummer, which has ... none. The same applies to convertibles; you'll burn less fuel with the top up.

Keep It Sleek
Speaking of aerodynamics, roof-top carriers and bike and ski racks don't do you any favors — even when they're empty. If you keep all your cargo inside the car, you'll slip through the wind better. Also, strip off any aftermarket add-ons such as bug deflectors and window and sunroof wind deflectors. By design, these items work by wrecking your aerodynamics. Sure, bug entrails on your windshield are gross, but they aren't known to cost you any fuel.

Premium or Regular?
Lower octane costs less, but should you use it? Most modern cars that call for premium fuel can run on regular gasoline without knocking or any long-term penalty. Technically, this makes the car less efficient, but not to a degree that negates the cost savings from the cheaper fuel grade. NOTE: This is true of cars for which premium is recommended, not required. If in doubt, look for terms such as "for best performance" and "recommended" as opposed to "only" or "required." If your car has a turbocharger or supercharger, you probably should stick with premium fuel. Of course, if your car calls for regular gasoline, there's no reason to run it on anything higher in octane.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Funny Superbowl Commercial

Friday, February 1, 2008

What does that mean?

Invoice Price
This is the manufacturer’s initial charge to the dealer. This usually is higher than the dealer’s final cost because dealers receive rebates, allowances, discounts, and incentive awards. Generally, the invoice price should include freight (also known as destination and delivery). If you’re buying a car based on the invoice price (for example, "at invoice," "$100 below invoice," "two percent above invoice"), and if freight is already included, make sure freight isn’t added again to the sales contract.

Base Price
This is the cost of the car without options, but includes standard equipment and factory warranty. This price is printed on the Monroney sticker.

MSRP (Monroney Sticker Price)
This shows the base price, the manufacturer’s installed options with the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, the manufacturer’s transportation charge, and the fuel economy (mileage). Affixed to the car window, this label is required by federal law, and may be removed only by the purchaser.

Dealer Sticker Price
This is usually on a supplemental sticker, is the Monroney sticker price plus the suggested retail price of dealer-installed options, such as additional dealer markup (ADM) or additional dealer profit (ADP), dealer preparation, and undercoating.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

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Wednesday, February 27, 2008

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Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Monday, February 25, 2008

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Friday, February 22, 2008

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Things You'll Need

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Thursday, February 21, 2008

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Wednesday, February 20, 2008

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Tuesday, February 19, 2008

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Monday, February 18, 2008

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Friday, February 15, 2008

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Thursday, February 14, 2008

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Wednesday, February 13, 2008

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Tuesday, February 12, 2008

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Monday, February 11, 2008

Thursday, February 7, 2008

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