Bumper Stickers May Look Cool But How About The Car’s Resale Value
A car with a bumper sticker is telling millions of people this: Don’t buy me. If the bumper sticker is political, about half the population will be turned off.
For example, a bumper sticker that tells the world “My Kid is on the Dean’s List” probably will pass the okay test. On the other hand, an 85-year-old woman will most likely hate it.
A bumper sticker that begs people “To Save the Dolphins” will likely not be favored by a man who likes a bit of dolphin in his tuna sandwich.
Bumper stickers that announce that the Martians, pod people or zombies are coming will only appeal to science fiction fans.
Likewise, stickers announcing that the driver loves poodles, Labradors or Shi-Tzus will make cat owners sad.
Hating anything will drive most vehicle buyers away. Drivers who hate peas, pork, police or people in general should keep those thoughts off the bumper. Those ideas are best expressed on the living room wall.
The only truly inoffensive bumper sticker is the smiley-face. Nobody hates Mr. Smiley-Face except people who pout. The solution here is not to sell the vehicle in cities filled with pouting people, which would include Lviv, Ukraine and Moose Factory, Ontario, Canada. Otherwise, the smiley-face sticker is one that can remain on the vehicle.
The ubiquitous stick-people populating millions of vehicles are also not particularly offensive unless, of course, the potential buyers hate kids, even those made of sticks. Off with the stick-people’s heads, vehicle sellers. Erase the stick-bodies, too. Don’t forget to obliterate the stick-pets.
A vehicle plastered with bumper stickers supporting a dozen causes is not sellable. It can only be sold to people who think exactly that way. The odds of finding such a person are a million to one.
If vehicle owners with dozens of stickers find buyers who think exactly as they do, they should consider marrying each other for a blissful wedded life free of disagreement or strife. Perhaps bumper stickers can serve a secondary purpose besides telling the world what a driver thinks.
Are Tinted Windows Safe?
Yes, tinted widows are safe to use. Many cars, limousines, and even SUVs have tinted windows. People are able to drive properly with tinted windows and they generally do not pose any imminent danger to the driver or
anyone else on the road for the most part. Most people get tints because they like the way they look or they may want to have another layer of privacy. The reason why some people inquire about the safety of tinted windows is because there are a number of issues surrounding their use.
Safety Concerns
As aforementioned, tinted windows are safe because they do not impair the vision of the driver in any way. There are some safety concerns from members of the law enforcement community because they are not able to see inside of the vehicle and someone could have a weapon concealed behind the tint. Some also say that the tints make it difficult for pedestrians to make eye contact with the driver and ensure that they are seen as they cross the street. Tints can reduce the intensity of the sun’s rays and reduce the heat inside of the vehicle, but they also make everything seem slightly darker than they really are. Health experts recommend that drivers get sunlight during the day because it promotes good mental health and provides vitamin D.
Legality
Tinted windows are legal in most states, but they do come restrictions. Drivers are only able to have a certain percentage of their window tinted and they can only use certain colors as well. The front and back windshields can have the darkest tint, but the side passenger windows must have a lighter shade of tint. All of the rules regarding tints can vary from state to to state, so there is no national standard for tinted windows. Any driver that has tints that are outside of the standards could face jail time or fines depending on the local regulations. It is recommended that drivers check local regulations before they purchase tinted windows to make sure that they are legal.
In short, tinted windows are safe to use as they are present in many vehicles found on the road every day. They do not impair the vision of the driver in any way. Some drivers opt to use them to have more privacy or to improve the appearance of their vehicle. The only problem is that they make it difficult for law enforcement and pedestrians to see the driver.
Why Would You Want Xenon Lights on Your Car?
Headlights aren’t always appreciated as components on cars, though they are one of the most important safety systems that a car has. After all, if no one can see the car coming, how can they avoid it? In recent years, a number of different types of headlights have come to the public’s attention. These include Xenon and halogen headlights, and the press given to them isn’t always very friendly. Detractors say that both these forms of light are actually dangerous because they can blind oncoming cars, even though the driver with the specialized headlights can see yards further.
Xenon headlights operate by creating an electric arc in a glass chamber filled with xenon gas. They not only produce a much brighter, clearer light than standard head lamps, but they have a tendency to produce a blue-tinted light. The 1991 BMW 7-series was the first in Europe to use HID lighting, and the technology made it to American shores by the 1993 model year. Afterward, it was just a matter of a few years before most luxury cars were fitted with xenon headlights.The prevalence of auto customization eventually led to more and more vehicles that were not originally equipped with high intensity discharge lighting being adapted to use xenon lights. This adaptation by the aftermarket was one of the things that led to the very vocal backlash against HID lighting, that it was “too bright” even when low beams were used, and high beams produced so much glare that oncoming drivers were essentially blinded.
Careful consideration should be taken when determining whether to install aftermarket xenon headlights in a car. The expense of the modification is one reason, but it’s also important to consider how often they’ll actually be used. For driving at night, along long, quiet roadways with plenty of wildlife to run into the road, then xenon headlights would be a significant safety system to add to a vehicle that provide brighter light, more definition of the objects that are in the road ahead. They also are used as daytime running lights, and as such are much more noticeable during the day, as well. On custom cars, high intensity Xenon head lights have an attractive blue tint to them.
Most drivers won’t have to have HID lighting on their cars to make them drivable at night, but they do provide the additional safety of being able to see further ahead than with typical lighting systems. This in itself is the single greatest reason to use xenon headlights.
How to Spot a Lemon With Used Cars
Purchasing a reliable used car takes effort. Potential used car owners will need to make sure to check a few key items in order to ensure that they are not purchasing a lemon for a car.
Checking the exterior of a car closely will tell a person many things about the car and its history. Cars with chips or dents may not have been properly cared for. Take a magnet and slide it along different areas of the car. If the magnet does not stick to all parts of the car that could indicate body work was not done correctly.Check The Interior Of The Car:
The interior of the car is able to pinpoint many problems. An airbag light that does not go off indicates that the airbag was deployed at some point. Excessive wear to pedals or seats will verify that the car may have a much higher mileage reading than the odometer states. Missing buttons or knobs will showcase that the vehicle was not properly maintained. A car that smells wet or of mildew may mean that it has suffered from water damage.
Check The History:
Obtain the vehicle identification number of the vehicle and check the history of the used car. A history report will show any repair work done and any accidents that the vehicle has been involved in. This report will provide a very detailed history of the vehicle and reveal if the vehicle has a salvage title. A salvage title means that the car has been considered a total loss by an insurance company.
Check The Engine Compartment:
Open the hood of the car and look for signs of leakage. There should be no excess oil or leaking fluids. Look to see if all the hoses are in good repair. Hoses that look worn or melted tend to indicate that the car has not been maintained properly or that the engine overheats.
Check With A Mechanic:
Any used car should be thoroughly checked by an independent mechanic. A mechanic will be able to inform the potential buyer of any issues within the vehicle. Have the mechanic check under the car for damage or leaks. A reputable seller will gladly allow the buyer to have a professional inspection performed.
Taking these steps when purchasing a used car will help prevent a buyer from purchasing a lemon. Any seller that balks at the potential buyer performing these steps is trying to hide something and the used car buyer should look elsewhere for a vehicle.
Materials in Automotive Bumpers
Modern automobiles use many safety standards designed to reduce the chances of serious injury or death. One such element is the bumper. Vehicle bumpers are located on both the front and rear ends and are designed
to absorb shock in low speed collisions. This is intended to minimize damage to other important components of the vehicle. Bumpers are also being designed to reduce injury in pedestrian accidents.
When considering the design of a bumper, one of the most critical factors to consider is the material that it is made from. There are many aspects that come into play when automotive manufacturers determine what material or combination of materials to use. Cost is generally one of the largest concerns associated with the design, as are aesthetics, weight, and government safety standards. The higher the safety rating of a bumper is, the higher the cost of the bumper will be. The manufacturer will pass this cost on to the consumer. One way to keep the cost down is to use cheaper materials. Bumpers on cars made decades ago were almost exclusively made from steel, as this was the one material most readily available. It proved to be the strongest choice and was the easiest material to work with and form into a bumper. Modern advances in materials, along with the new government guidelines introduced in the late 1970s, paved a road for automotive manufacturers to make safer and lighter weight bumpers.
In modern vehicles, manufacturers use a wide array of materials. Many combinations of materials are used, such as steel, aluminum, plastics and fiberglass composites. The steel and aluminum is generally used for the bumper supports, or the framework that attaches the bumper to the frame of the vehicle. Plastics can be used as a cover for the bumper as modern injection molding processes allow for quick and easy manufacturing while assuring the desired aesthetics are met. These materials can also be used inside of the bumper as an energy absorbing device and is usually created from polypropylene or a plastic honeycomb. Fiberglass, while generally more expensive than plastics, can also be utilized as a material choice for bumper covers. Fiberglass is easier to customize and is lightweight.
There is no doubt that automotive bumpers have evolved through the years. Their safety has increased as modern advances in materials have changed, allowing for easier production, higher safety ratings, and more affordable pricing.
Are Red Cars Pulled Over More By The Police?
When shopping for cars, people like to think about a large number of different factors. Among those factors is how likely a car is to draw the attention of the police. No one wants to get pulled over, as this can lead to big fines and higher insurance rates. With that in mind, there is some thought that certain types of cars and certain colors get pulled over more often than others. On a percentage basis, this is probably true. One must look past the statistics, though, and understand exactly what they are saying. This is important for anyone trying to purchase a car.
What the Statistics Say
When it comes to looking at which colors get pulled over most often, one will see red at the top of the list. Red cars are among the most pulled over in almost every part of the country. This has been true for many years and it figures to stay true for the coming years. That information in and of itself does not provide any meaningful information, though. One must look past the statistics if they want to draw any sort of logical conclusion from this information.
Looking Past the Statistics
Some might believe that red cars get pulled over more often because police are more likely to notice a speeding red car. Though there might be some merit to this, chances are that there are some other, more plausible explanations. The fact of the matter is that red is a bold color. People who choose to drive red cars often have bold personalities. These people are more likely to speed and break the law than other people. Someone driving a conservative white mini-van, for instance, would be less likely to speed on average. A person driving a red sports car is more likely to speed and this is the likely explanation for the higher rates. A red car owner who drives within the law will likely find himself safe.
Ultimately it makes sense to consider this factor. It also is important to know that red cars do get pulled over more often. This might not be an indication of any sort of trend among police officers, though. When one looks a little bit harder and peers through the statistics, there is something else lurking. This means that it is probably alright to purchase a red car without too much fear if that is something you are thinking about doing.
Refurbish Your Vintage Car
Restoring vintage cars is one of the most popular hobbies in the world today. Unfortunately, it’s also a prohibitively expensive hobby to get into if not done properly. This is a detail that many would-be car restorers fail to consider when they make their first classic car purchase and try to do their own refurbishing. The following are the steps taken to restore your vintage car:
Engine
The first thing that has to be done, before anything else, is to get the engine running. For beginners who’ve never restored a vintage car before, it’s actually best to start off with a car that runs and drives, but perhaps could use a little polishing. Engines that are seized up typically require extensive internal work to get them running again, and in fact may be little more than what in the restoration industry is euphemistically called a “boat anchor.” Some restorers may skip the engine entirely, though, opting instead to install a crate motor into their vehicle.
Body
After determining the extent of the damage to the vehicle that has to be repaired, the next step is to get the car’s body back into shape. The difference between the engine of a vintage car and its body is the difference between math and art. While the engine is predominantly a matter of engineering, the body requires finesse to work out the dents and rust, leaving behind a clean, smooth finish. On classic cars, you’ll typically use replacement body panels. Popular cars may have some aftermarket panels available, but less popular vehicles will require fabrication of the parts or scrounging vintage junk yards for parts.
Straightening the body is typically done with body hammers, but may involve body filler if the damage cannot be worked out with hammers. In high-value classic cars, this is not desirable, but it is an inexpensive alternative to replacing the body panels of the vehicle.
Interior
Many enthusiasts choose to have the interior of their vintage car redone by a professional upholsterer. However, only the seats usually need upholstered. After gutting the interior, replacing the dashboard and carpet with reproduction carpet is an easy task. For budget-minded restorers, it’s possible and acceptable to use an inexpensive seat cover.
Restoring a vintage car takes time and patience. A lack thereof will certainly result in unsatisfactory results in the finished product. If you’re detail oriented and ready for a challenge, though, a vintage car could be well within your grasp.
Do you have a vintage car you want to be restored? Fill out a free estimate form here!
Beyond MPG – Keeping Your Automotive Life Green
Keeping your automotive life green doesn’t mean trimming your car with Bermuda grass or just slapping a few green leaf stickers on the back. In fact, staying green is much more than just keeping an eye on your MPGs. It’s about maintaining and caring for your car in the most environmentally friendly manner possible while minimizing your environmental footprint. The following information can help lessen your environmental impact, no matter what you drive.
For starters, you might not want to wash the car yourself. As it turns out, washing your own car with a hose, bucket and rag wastes large amounts of water. The water runoff from your driveway can carry oil, salt and grease directly into local streams and lakes. Commercial car washes not only use less water, they also feature treatment systems that filter and reuse runoff water. If you still insist on washing the car yourself, park it on the lawn. The soil acts as a filter for runoff water before it reaches downstream water sources. Plants will also benefit from the phosphates in certain car wash detergents.
Keeping your car tuned up is another way you can keep it green. A properly tuned vehicle puts out fewer exhaust emissions than one allowed to fall out of tune. Most tune-ups involve the replacement of spark plugs, oxygen sensors, air filters and other basic performance and emissions related equipment. Not only will a tune-up keep exhaust emissions low, but it will also improve your car’s fuel economy by as much as 40 percent, according to the EPA. Regular tune-ups will also help your car maintain its original performance.
While you’re at it, have those fluids changed. Sooner or later, you’ll have to have your engine oil, engine coolant and other fluids changed, as these can wear out and compromise the performance of your car. An experienced auto mechanic at an automotive repair shop can easily change these fluids for you at a reasonable price, but if you plan to change the fluids yourself, make sure to do it in an environmentally friendly manner. Never pour your car’s fluids down storm drains or directly onto the ground, as these fluids can seep into and pollute groundwater. Engine coolant is especially dangerous, since it has a sweet taste that attracts animals and small children. Keep used fluids covered up in a sealable container and transport them to your nearest automotive parts outlet for proper disposal.
Can Your Insurance Company Tell You Where To Make Repairs?
If you have had an accident, and you need work done to your car, you are going to need to find a body shop. When it comes to getting your repair work done, there are two schools of thought. The first says that it is cheaper all around to go to a shop that your insurance company recommends. The other is that you should go to wherever you feel most comfortable.
Cheaper Is Sometimes Better
When it comes to making the decision, you should ask yourself whether it is more important to save money, or to get a good repair job. If you don’t care about your car as much, it could be better
to go where the insurance company tells you to go, or if you don’t know where to go in the first place.
Insurance companies save money if you use a body shop in their network. They usually don’t have to pay for towing the car or storing the car in the shop. That savings can be passed on to you. If you’re lucky…
Your Rights As A Consumer
However, if you have a preferred body shop in mind, or you have a relationship with a mechanic, you have every right to go wherever you want to go. In some cases you might end up paying more for it in the long run, but that doesn’t matter if the accident isn’t your fault.
What you might find is that the other insurance company will try to lowball you when it comes time to pay if you don’t use a shop that they prefer. Don’t fall for this tactic, they have to pay if you are not at fault.
Do What Feels Right
Your car is your property and you have every right to do what you want with it. The insurance company might complain about it being too costly, or try to guilt you into making a choice you aren’t sure is the right one.
At the end of the day, you want the job done right for the least amount of money. However, getting the job done right is what will ultimately save you money in the long run.
A shoddy mechanic who doesn’t fix the engine properly will just mean another trip to your mechanic, and at your expense. Don’t be fooled or pressured by a company with an agenda, do what you want to do and on your terms.
Learn How to Fix Dents in the Body of Your Vehicle; Using Eco-Friendly Methods
You can fix dents in your vehicle yourself using supplies you may have at home already. This simple fix can be accomplished in an eco-friendly manner due to the tools you will be using as well as the ability to do this yourself. For more eco-friendly ideas and techniques, be sure to visit Gili’s Auto Body eco-friendly body shop in Rockville, Maryland for your eco-friendly auto needs.
Some items are required before you can start this project. The items you will need to gather are: a power drill with a 1/16-inch drill bit, a screw that is 1/16-inch, a pair of pliers, piece of wet/dry sandpaper, fine grit sandpaper, sponge, water, auto putty, painting tape, primer and matching paint.
The first step in popping a dent out of your vehicle is to survey the area. Verify the best way area to penetrate the metal with a drill. This should be as flat of a surface as possible to assist in a straight drill hole. Plug in your electric power drill
and equip it with a 1/16-inch drill bit. Drill a hole into the center of the dent. The next step of the process involves actually performing the technique to pop out the dent.
To perform the next step, insert a a 1/16-inch drill bit into the center drill hole in the auto body. Grip the screw with a pair of pliers tightly and pull on the screw. This technique will pop the metal back out; and while it may not be flush and as perfect as before, it should be quite an improvement. The remainder of the process involves using putty to fill out the cracks and then it may be painted.
Use a piece of sandpaper to sand the dent scratches out; afterwards use a wet sponge to smooth the area out. Apply putty to the indentations in the dent, while filling every nook and cranny. You may smooth the putty out using your hands. Once done with the putty, allow it to dry and sand it smooth using fine grit sand paper. Apply painters tape around the specific area to avoid painting where you don’t want to. Prime the area and once dry, paint it.
This eco-friendly method of repairing a dent in your vehicle is cost friendly, since you are the one performing the task. This also allows you to see that the job is completed thoroughly and to your satisfaction. Be eco-friendly when repairing your vehicle dents and you will be happy about your choice.
