Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but a trashed out car will never sell, except for parts. Remember, when a buyer comes to see your car or truck they do not want to see a mud covered vehicle with enough trash in the trunk and seats to fill up a dumpster. They want to see a pretty, clean vehicle they would look good driving around town.
This does not mean that you need to repair every dent and put on brand new tires but you should make the car look presentable like a teenager getting ready for a date.
Here's a quick list of things you should do:
1. Give the car a good bath inside and out. Open up the doors and clean any piece of metal of you see. Shampoo the carpet and if possible try to repair any tears in the upholstery. Remember when you are giving your car a bath wash the wheels and tires, if the wheels are bad, you may wish to invest in new ones.
2. Clean out the trunk. Check to ensure the spare tire has air, you have a jack and lug wrench.
3. Open the hood. Clean all parts of the motor you can. Check the water, oil, transmission fluid, and wipe the engine down.
4. Okay, do not go overboard on the cleaning. If you clean, too much the buyer may think you are hiding something.
5. Place an air freshener in the car especially if you or friends have smoked in the car.
6. Get together all paperwork such as invoices for repairs, oil changes, service book and any other papers the buyer may wish to see.
These are just the basics. If you can repair any scratches on the paint or replace parts without going overboard this will also give you more money. Such items as car door handles, rear view mirrors, floor mats, etc… are not that expensive to replace and will make the vehicle more presentable.
Things not to do:
1. Do not use a shiny cleaner for the upholstery. 2. Do not repair major dents 3. Do not try to cover up problems with the vehicle 4. Don't buy new tires , unless it's really needed for example there bald an unroad worthy.
Using a shiny cleaner will have the buyer thinking you are trying to unload a lemon on him or her.
Spending money on new tires, fixing major dents or even covering up problems will cost you more money than it will be worth in the long run. You may find out that you will then not get your moneys worth out of the car after you spend such a large amount sprucing up the car.
Buyers know they are purchasing a used car; however, they want to buy a used vehicle that has been cared for not abused. Do your best to make your car looked cared for without over doing.
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Prevent Car Theft With Glass Etching
Phoenix, Arizona, achieves #4 in the list of top 10 cities with the highest vehicle theft! (2004 National Insurance Crime Bureau [NICB])
In 2002, Arizona had the highest car theft rate in the United States, with the vast majority occurring in Maricopa and Pima Counties. According to the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA), “a vehicle theft occurs every nine minutes and 16 seconds.” This causes an estimated economic loss of $3.7M to residents of Arizona in 2002 alone!
Don’t be another statistic!
Help to deter theft by etching your auto glass with traceable numbers. This procedure is highly recommended by the NICB, police departments and insurance companies for effectiveness. Although vehicle manufacturers mark some parts, it's not enough. By permanently installing visible VIN and serial numbers into your vehicle's glass, you can greatly reduce auto theft and aid in recovery.
You can visit your local auto dealership or window tinting/glass repair facility; or you can do it yourself with an etching kit found on many different websites. In addition to glass etching, the NICB also recommends other popular visible or audible devices such as audible alarms, steering-column collars and locks, wheel locks, theft-deterrent decals and ID markers on the car.
Auto glass etching entails chemically marking the automobile with its own unique vehicle identification number (VIN) on all windows, including sunroofs and T¬-Tops. The chemical process of etching involves using a mild acid that reacts only to the glass. Etching all the glass windows makes the vehicles less wanted by car thieves. The actual etching is small and does not mark or deface the window, but is one of the first details most car thieves see before attempting to steal a vehicle.
The recommended areas to be etched include the following:
* Front Windshield - drivers side in lower corner by factory VIN number.
* Side Windows - lower corner, near door lock or handle.
* Rear Window - driver’s side in lower corner or towards the middle, lower edge.
These are the following steps for the glass etching kit for those handy, do-it-yourself types:
1. Clean area to be etched with glass cleaner - Remove the blue stencils from the white backing paper and apply to the outside of window glass in the desired locations. With fingertips, gently "pat" the stencil to ensure that it is in full contact with glass, paying specific attention to the area where the VIN number has been cut into the stencil.
2. Apply a film of etch cream - brush both left and right completely covering all characters.
3. After etching cream has been on for 5 to 7 minutes: Carefully remove and discard all stencils into a plastic bag or container. Spray etched area with plain water or glass cleaner and wipe dry with paper towel. Repeat process for all windows.
4. Warning decals - Apply to inside of windows in conspicuous locations. Suggested location: near handles on front doors.
5. Complete the Insurance "Proof of Etch" certificate.
In 2002, Arizona had the highest car theft rate in the United States, with the vast majority occurring in Maricopa and Pima Counties. According to the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA), “a vehicle theft occurs every nine minutes and 16 seconds.” This causes an estimated economic loss of $3.7M to residents of Arizona in 2002 alone!
Don’t be another statistic!
Help to deter theft by etching your auto glass with traceable numbers. This procedure is highly recommended by the NICB, police departments and insurance companies for effectiveness. Although vehicle manufacturers mark some parts, it's not enough. By permanently installing visible VIN and serial numbers into your vehicle's glass, you can greatly reduce auto theft and aid in recovery.
You can visit your local auto dealership or window tinting/glass repair facility; or you can do it yourself with an etching kit found on many different websites. In addition to glass etching, the NICB also recommends other popular visible or audible devices such as audible alarms, steering-column collars and locks, wheel locks, theft-deterrent decals and ID markers on the car.
Auto glass etching entails chemically marking the automobile with its own unique vehicle identification number (VIN) on all windows, including sunroofs and T¬-Tops. The chemical process of etching involves using a mild acid that reacts only to the glass. Etching all the glass windows makes the vehicles less wanted by car thieves. The actual etching is small and does not mark or deface the window, but is one of the first details most car thieves see before attempting to steal a vehicle.
The recommended areas to be etched include the following:
* Front Windshield - drivers side in lower corner by factory VIN number.
* Side Windows - lower corner, near door lock or handle.
* Rear Window - driver’s side in lower corner or towards the middle, lower edge.
These are the following steps for the glass etching kit for those handy, do-it-yourself types:
1. Clean area to be etched with glass cleaner - Remove the blue stencils from the white backing paper and apply to the outside of window glass in the desired locations. With fingertips, gently "pat" the stencil to ensure that it is in full contact with glass, paying specific attention to the area where the VIN number has been cut into the stencil.
2. Apply a film of etch cream - brush both left and right completely covering all characters.
3. After etching cream has been on for 5 to 7 minutes: Carefully remove and discard all stencils into a plastic bag or container. Spray etched area with plain water or glass cleaner and wipe dry with paper towel. Repeat process for all windows.
4. Warning decals - Apply to inside of windows in conspicuous locations. Suggested location: near handles on front doors.
5. Complete the Insurance "Proof of Etch" certificate.
Friday, February 2, 2007
Reliable Used Cars
A reliable used car is hard to come by. A customer needs to conduct a lot of research while purchasing a used car. Many people now prefer purchasing a used car as it proves to be more economical and feasible compared to a brand new car. Customers need to exercise a great deal of prudence in order to avoid being sold a sub standard or defective car. They should keep in mind a number of factors that prove to be extremely significant while making a purchase.
New car dealers are by and large the safest place to buy a used car, because they tend to sell used cars that are in good condition. However, they may tend to be pretty expensive. Reputed dealers have huge inventories of good cars, and usually have no-haggle pricing. Used cars generally tend to have a bad reputation. By taking along a mechanic or a person experienced with cars, people can check a used vehicle for damages or faults. People wishing to buy a car should do so from a dealer who has been in the vicinity for a long period of time, as such dealers usually tend to sell good quality, reliable cars.
Choosing makes and models of used cars can be an arduous and time-consuming process. However, by conducting suitable amount of research people can make sure they purchase a reliable and sturdy car. Agencies owned by the original parent company may also often sell used cars. It is advisable to purchase cars from such agencies as they usually sell good quality cars. It is often seen that a number of magazines and newspapers also print ratings of dealers and agencies providing reliable and good quality used cars. Details of agencies and dealers providing reliable used cars can also be obtained online through a number of websites. These sites also provide tips and suggestions to customers on purchasing a reliable used car.
New car dealers are by and large the safest place to buy a used car, because they tend to sell used cars that are in good condition. However, they may tend to be pretty expensive. Reputed dealers have huge inventories of good cars, and usually have no-haggle pricing. Used cars generally tend to have a bad reputation. By taking along a mechanic or a person experienced with cars, people can check a used vehicle for damages or faults. People wishing to buy a car should do so from a dealer who has been in the vicinity for a long period of time, as such dealers usually tend to sell good quality, reliable cars.
Choosing makes and models of used cars can be an arduous and time-consuming process. However, by conducting suitable amount of research people can make sure they purchase a reliable and sturdy car. Agencies owned by the original parent company may also often sell used cars. It is advisable to purchase cars from such agencies as they usually sell good quality cars. It is often seen that a number of magazines and newspapers also print ratings of dealers and agencies providing reliable and good quality used cars. Details of agencies and dealers providing reliable used cars can also be obtained online through a number of websites. These sites also provide tips and suggestions to customers on purchasing a reliable used car.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Taking Dirt Seriously: Taking Care of Your Exterior Car Parts
How long have you had that car parked right at this moment inside your garage or that one just at the curb in front of your house? How long have you sat behind the wheel and shot down highways as you beat the red light in it? Now, how many times in the course of this association have you actually taken the chance to look at it, to really look at it, at the way it looks, at the whole package, from the tires up to the roof of the car? Notice the marked deterioration of that spit and polish? How long did it take you to cue in to that immediate fact? No matter how good the model of your car may be, when you regularly drive it, sooner or later, an upgrade really should follow.
All things need to be replaced or improved upon at certain of time. Nothing is so good that it works forever. Besides, that’s the best part of change, of progress... great developments. And among these parts that need upgrades are the exterior parts of your car. Appearance, we agree, does not count at all times. Interior efficiency is always the better thing to go for. What does anyone want about a beautiful car that does not run efficiently? But if you had that engine working at perfect pitch already, then the absolute next best step to take is to look after the condition of your exterior parts. And when we say exterior car parts, this may mean anything, from your tires to your windshield wipers to your fender flares. Yes, your fender flares or fender trims. As a concerned and certainly conscientious car owner, you might find yourself asking: is there a reason this should matter? Certainly. Unlike other accessories or exterior part additions, fender flares, more than just add that very appealing gleam and polish to your car, also helps in lessening the accumulated dirt that your car tires get. How is this so?
Well, exterior parts like customized fender flares are made to fit over the cure of your tire. So instead of all that road dust and dirt and all the other road debris there might be getting into the tracks of your tires whenever you get behind the wheel and step down on the accelerator, the fender flares serves to protect the tires from these things. So instead of a set of incredibly dirty, debris-laden tires, you’ll have yourself less dirt and much longer performing tires. You might not think that road debris is serious business but in fact, road debris accounts for half of most premature tire replacements. How so? When dust, mud or dirt hardens on or within the tires, they find a way to weaken the material of the tires and from there on, what follows is a simple lesson in rubber decline. Though dirt and hardened mud particles damage your wheels in subtler ways than say a big tire spike running clear to the sidewall of your car but dirt brings your tire’s defenses a little bit lower each and every time you go on the road. So take better care of your car’s exterior parts by outfitting them with useful car components like fender trims.
All things need to be replaced or improved upon at certain of time. Nothing is so good that it works forever. Besides, that’s the best part of change, of progress... great developments. And among these parts that need upgrades are the exterior parts of your car. Appearance, we agree, does not count at all times. Interior efficiency is always the better thing to go for. What does anyone want about a beautiful car that does not run efficiently? But if you had that engine working at perfect pitch already, then the absolute next best step to take is to look after the condition of your exterior parts. And when we say exterior car parts, this may mean anything, from your tires to your windshield wipers to your fender flares. Yes, your fender flares or fender trims. As a concerned and certainly conscientious car owner, you might find yourself asking: is there a reason this should matter? Certainly. Unlike other accessories or exterior part additions, fender flares, more than just add that very appealing gleam and polish to your car, also helps in lessening the accumulated dirt that your car tires get. How is this so?
Well, exterior parts like customized fender flares are made to fit over the cure of your tire. So instead of all that road dust and dirt and all the other road debris there might be getting into the tracks of your tires whenever you get behind the wheel and step down on the accelerator, the fender flares serves to protect the tires from these things. So instead of a set of incredibly dirty, debris-laden tires, you’ll have yourself less dirt and much longer performing tires. You might not think that road debris is serious business but in fact, road debris accounts for half of most premature tire replacements. How so? When dust, mud or dirt hardens on or within the tires, they find a way to weaken the material of the tires and from there on, what follows is a simple lesson in rubber decline. Though dirt and hardened mud particles damage your wheels in subtler ways than say a big tire spike running clear to the sidewall of your car but dirt brings your tire’s defenses a little bit lower each and every time you go on the road. So take better care of your car’s exterior parts by outfitting them with useful car components like fender trims.
Future of Hybrid Cars
There are many design concepts being considered for maximum public exposure and benefits on the drawing board of car designers today that look to the future hybrid car needs and considerations that will serve the public well in the course of the next century. Many of these hybrid car designers are taking past and proven sales performers and have begun reworking their designs from the ground up.
Instead of a front wheel drive platform, there are automobile designers that are building on a rear platform design for one of the nation's best selling and widely recognized car frames in America and worldwide. The hybrid car designs of the future are including sports car models that have been all-time favorites with the world in the past and are now being revived with the brand new hybrid engine in mind.
There is an aggressive training program in place at one of Americas largest car manufacturing companies that is preparing their technicians to repair the growing styles and variations of hybrid cars that are emerging onto the automobile market.
With the extreme difference in battery features and dramatic variance in voltage levels, there is a void that needs to be filled by someone who is equipped with the necessary battery cabling devices that can handle 270 volts instead of the normal 12 volt battery systems. Regular car technicians are typically capable of handling battery recharging requirements, but with the futuristic applications that are applied in hybrid battery design, the best service these car technicians can provide at present is that they can still provide oil changes and tire rotations should the need arise.
With a mindset of grasping and expanding the propulsion features that are somewhat limited in today's hybrid car designs, there are retro styling efforts that are focusing on providing hybrid cars with optional V8 engine capacities.
There are considerations in place to use solar cells in the framework of hybrid automobiles. The electrical power will be produced through the boot lids and bonnet placement of these solar cell modules. Through the use of solar cells it will then be possible to utilize the battery charging capabilities when the car is not turned on or in motion to replenish batteries that have been depleted through the use of air conditioning or through continuous operation when the hybrid automobile is delayed in traffic jams at different times of the day. This lightweight body structure design would benefit the energy savings to the consumer and make the car more manageable on the highway.
There is an effort in hybrid car design that is turning the out of the ordinary hybrid vehicle into a replica of what is parked in the driveway every day of our life. This blending in effect is meant to bring the hybrid full circle into the acceptable graces of the American public.
The future hybrid car will need to focus more on greenhouse gases that negatively effect the environment as well as a hybrid car that will be even more fuel efficient. Without these changes, the production and sales of any type of vehicle will not be possible due to the degradation of our atmosphere.
There are many views about hybrid cars in the futures that will change its fuel source from the heavy duty batteries in use today, to hydrogen-power fuel cell. This will take away the need for hybrid cars to have to use gasoline completely in order to transverse down the major highways.
Instead of a front wheel drive platform, there are automobile designers that are building on a rear platform design for one of the nation's best selling and widely recognized car frames in America and worldwide. The hybrid car designs of the future are including sports car models that have been all-time favorites with the world in the past and are now being revived with the brand new hybrid engine in mind.
There is an aggressive training program in place at one of Americas largest car manufacturing companies that is preparing their technicians to repair the growing styles and variations of hybrid cars that are emerging onto the automobile market.
With the extreme difference in battery features and dramatic variance in voltage levels, there is a void that needs to be filled by someone who is equipped with the necessary battery cabling devices that can handle 270 volts instead of the normal 12 volt battery systems. Regular car technicians are typically capable of handling battery recharging requirements, but with the futuristic applications that are applied in hybrid battery design, the best service these car technicians can provide at present is that they can still provide oil changes and tire rotations should the need arise.
With a mindset of grasping and expanding the propulsion features that are somewhat limited in today's hybrid car designs, there are retro styling efforts that are focusing on providing hybrid cars with optional V8 engine capacities.
There are considerations in place to use solar cells in the framework of hybrid automobiles. The electrical power will be produced through the boot lids and bonnet placement of these solar cell modules. Through the use of solar cells it will then be possible to utilize the battery charging capabilities when the car is not turned on or in motion to replenish batteries that have been depleted through the use of air conditioning or through continuous operation when the hybrid automobile is delayed in traffic jams at different times of the day. This lightweight body structure design would benefit the energy savings to the consumer and make the car more manageable on the highway.
There is an effort in hybrid car design that is turning the out of the ordinary hybrid vehicle into a replica of what is parked in the driveway every day of our life. This blending in effect is meant to bring the hybrid full circle into the acceptable graces of the American public.
The future hybrid car will need to focus more on greenhouse gases that negatively effect the environment as well as a hybrid car that will be even more fuel efficient. Without these changes, the production and sales of any type of vehicle will not be possible due to the degradation of our atmosphere.
There are many views about hybrid cars in the futures that will change its fuel source from the heavy duty batteries in use today, to hydrogen-power fuel cell. This will take away the need for hybrid cars to have to use gasoline completely in order to transverse down the major highways.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Getting Your Car Ready to Sell
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but a trashed out car will never sell, except for parts. Remember, when a buyer comes to see your car or truck they do not want to see a mud covered vehicle with enough trash in the trunk and seats to fill up a dumpster. They want to see a pretty, clean vehicle they would look good driving around town.
This does not mean that you need to repair every dent and put on brand new tires but you should make the car look presentable like a teenager getting ready for a date.
Here's a quick list of things you should do:
1. Give the car a good bath inside and out. Open up the doors and clean any piece of metal of you see. Shampoo the carpet and if possible try to repair any tears in the upholstery. Remember when you are giving your car a bath wash the wheels and tires, if the wheels are bad, you may wish to invest in new ones.
2. Clean out the trunk. Check to ensure the spare tire has air, you have a jack and lug wrench.
3. Open the hood. Clean all parts of the motor you can. Check the water, oil, transmission fluid, and wipe the engine down.
4. Okay, do not go overboard on the cleaning. If you clean, too much the buyer may think you are hiding something.
5. Place an air freshener in the car especially if you or friends have smoked in the car.
6. Get together all paperwork such as invoices for repairs, oil changes, service book and any other papers the buyer may wish to see.
This does not mean that you need to repair every dent and put on brand new tires but you should make the car look presentable like a teenager getting ready for a date.
Here's a quick list of things you should do:
1. Give the car a good bath inside and out. Open up the doors and clean any piece of metal of you see. Shampoo the carpet and if possible try to repair any tears in the upholstery. Remember when you are giving your car a bath wash the wheels and tires, if the wheels are bad, you may wish to invest in new ones.
2. Clean out the trunk. Check to ensure the spare tire has air, you have a jack and lug wrench.
3. Open the hood. Clean all parts of the motor you can. Check the water, oil, transmission fluid, and wipe the engine down.
4. Okay, do not go overboard on the cleaning. If you clean, too much the buyer may think you are hiding something.
5. Place an air freshener in the car especially if you or friends have smoked in the car.
6. Get together all paperwork such as invoices for repairs, oil changes, service book and any other papers the buyer may wish to see.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Used Cars-The Value Choice
It was Bruce Springsteen who sang, ‘mister the day the lottery I win, I ain’t ever gonna ride in no used car again.’ I’m sure Bruce can afford loads of expensive new cars parked outside his Mansion but for the rest of us the economic sense of buying used is hard to escape.
Second hand cars are the only kind of cars I’m ever going to drive whether I win the lottery or not.
The main difference between buying a brand new car and a brand new used car apart from that famous new car smell is the amount of money that you will lose the second you drive it out of the dealer.
Some new cars can depreciate 50% in value as soon as you drive them away. The 80’s pop twins ‘Bros’ who had a short lived life in the spotlight lost a spectacular amount of money in their time and when they came to add it all up Matt Goss puts much of that down to buying several very expensive sports cars brand new and only keeping them a couple of months.
As well as the money the emotional strain of driving a brand new car into a multi-story car park for the first time must be massive. Every scratch and dink would become a huge dent in your mind.
Leaving a brand new car parked by the side of the road in a dark street must be quite hard to do as well. No one wants their car broken into or stolen but it must feel worse when it’s new. The cost of fully comp insurance on a new car is another factor that will make a difference.
Used cars and the option of replacing anything that breaks with decent spare parts is a much more comforting thought to me. It’s the whole idea that you don’t have to be so precious about your car when it’s seen a few miles that I like. With a new car you feel obliged to take it back to the dealer for all the servicing and repairs which of course can cost a fortune. You need the official stamps to keep the FSH value – but with an old used car you have so many more options.
For me it’s used cars that are best and that may say something about the person I am. Not a rock star and not a lottery winner.
Second hand cars are the only kind of cars I’m ever going to drive whether I win the lottery or not.
The main difference between buying a brand new car and a brand new used car apart from that famous new car smell is the amount of money that you will lose the second you drive it out of the dealer.
Some new cars can depreciate 50% in value as soon as you drive them away. The 80’s pop twins ‘Bros’ who had a short lived life in the spotlight lost a spectacular amount of money in their time and when they came to add it all up Matt Goss puts much of that down to buying several very expensive sports cars brand new and only keeping them a couple of months.
As well as the money the emotional strain of driving a brand new car into a multi-story car park for the first time must be massive. Every scratch and dink would become a huge dent in your mind.
Leaving a brand new car parked by the side of the road in a dark street must be quite hard to do as well. No one wants their car broken into or stolen but it must feel worse when it’s new. The cost of fully comp insurance on a new car is another factor that will make a difference.
Used cars and the option of replacing anything that breaks with decent spare parts is a much more comforting thought to me. It’s the whole idea that you don’t have to be so precious about your car when it’s seen a few miles that I like. With a new car you feel obliged to take it back to the dealer for all the servicing and repairs which of course can cost a fortune. You need the official stamps to keep the FSH value – but with an old used car you have so many more options.
For me it’s used cars that are best and that may say something about the person I am. Not a rock star and not a lottery winner.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Prevent Car Theft With Glass Etching
Phoenix, Arizona, achieves #4 in the list of top 10 cities with the highest vehicle theft! (2004 National Insurance Crime Bureau [NICB])
In 2002, Arizona had the highest car theft rate in the United States, with the vast majority occurring in Maricopa and Pima Counties. According to the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA), “a vehicle theft occurs every nine minutes and 16 seconds.” This causes an estimated economic loss of $3.7M to residents of Arizona in 2002 alone!
Don’t be another statistic!
Help to deter theft by etching your auto glass with traceable numbers. This procedure is highly recommended by the NICB, police departments and insurance companies for effectiveness. Although vehicle manufacturers mark some parts, it's not enough. By permanently installing visible VIN and serial numbers into your vehicle's glass, you can greatly reduce auto theft and aid in recovery.
You can visit your local auto dealership or window tinting/glass repair facility; or you can do it yourself with an etching kit found on many different websites. In addition to glass etching, the NICB also recommends other popular visible or audible devices such as audible alarms, steering-column collars and locks, wheel locks, theft-deterrent decals and ID markers on the car.
Auto glass etching entails chemically marking the automobile with its own unique vehicle identification number (VIN) on all windows, including sunroofs and T¬-Tops. The chemical process of etching involves using a mild acid that reacts only to the glass. Etching all the glass windows makes the vehicles less wanted by car thieves. The actual etching is small and does not mark or deface the window, but is one of the first details most car thieves see before attempting to steal a vehicle.
The recommended areas to be etched include the following:
* Front Windshield - drivers side in lower corner by factory VIN number.
* Side Windows - lower corner, near door lock or handle.
* Rear Window - driver’s side in lower corner or towards the middle, lower edge.
These are the following steps for the glass etching kit for those handy, do-it-yourself types:
1. Clean area to be etched with glass cleaner - Remove the blue stencils from the white backing paper and apply to the outside of window glass in the desired locations. With fingertips, gently "pat" the stencil to ensure that it is in full contact with glass, paying specific attention to the area where the VIN number has been cut into the stencil.
2. Apply a film of etch cream - brush both left and right completely covering all characters.
3. After etching cream has been on for 5 to 7 minutes: Carefully remove and discard all stencils into a plastic bag or container. Spray etched area with plain water or glass cleaner and wipe dry with paper towel. Repeat process for all windows.
4. Warning decals - Apply to inside of windows in conspicuous locations. Suggested location: near handles on front doors.
5. Complete the Insurance "Proof of Etch" certificate.
However, it is recommended to have this done by a licensed professional as this process requires a very steady hand and must be done under optimum conditions.For example; do not etch glass in direct sunlight on very hot days, when the temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, or in very windy or wet conditions.
In 2002, Arizona had the highest car theft rate in the United States, with the vast majority occurring in Maricopa and Pima Counties. According to the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA), “a vehicle theft occurs every nine minutes and 16 seconds.” This causes an estimated economic loss of $3.7M to residents of Arizona in 2002 alone!
Don’t be another statistic!
Help to deter theft by etching your auto glass with traceable numbers. This procedure is highly recommended by the NICB, police departments and insurance companies for effectiveness. Although vehicle manufacturers mark some parts, it's not enough. By permanently installing visible VIN and serial numbers into your vehicle's glass, you can greatly reduce auto theft and aid in recovery.
You can visit your local auto dealership or window tinting/glass repair facility; or you can do it yourself with an etching kit found on many different websites. In addition to glass etching, the NICB also recommends other popular visible or audible devices such as audible alarms, steering-column collars and locks, wheel locks, theft-deterrent decals and ID markers on the car.
Auto glass etching entails chemically marking the automobile with its own unique vehicle identification number (VIN) on all windows, including sunroofs and T¬-Tops. The chemical process of etching involves using a mild acid that reacts only to the glass. Etching all the glass windows makes the vehicles less wanted by car thieves. The actual etching is small and does not mark or deface the window, but is one of the first details most car thieves see before attempting to steal a vehicle.
The recommended areas to be etched include the following:
* Front Windshield - drivers side in lower corner by factory VIN number.
* Side Windows - lower corner, near door lock or handle.
* Rear Window - driver’s side in lower corner or towards the middle, lower edge.
These are the following steps for the glass etching kit for those handy, do-it-yourself types:
1. Clean area to be etched with glass cleaner - Remove the blue stencils from the white backing paper and apply to the outside of window glass in the desired locations. With fingertips, gently "pat" the stencil to ensure that it is in full contact with glass, paying specific attention to the area where the VIN number has been cut into the stencil.
2. Apply a film of etch cream - brush both left and right completely covering all characters.
3. After etching cream has been on for 5 to 7 minutes: Carefully remove and discard all stencils into a plastic bag or container. Spray etched area with plain water or glass cleaner and wipe dry with paper towel. Repeat process for all windows.
4. Warning decals - Apply to inside of windows in conspicuous locations. Suggested location: near handles on front doors.
5. Complete the Insurance "Proof of Etch" certificate.
However, it is recommended to have this done by a licensed professional as this process requires a very steady hand and must be done under optimum conditions.For example; do not etch glass in direct sunlight on very hot days, when the temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, or in very windy or wet conditions.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Reliable Used Cars
A reliable used car is hard to come by. A customer needs to conduct a lot of research while purchasing a used car. Many people now prefer purchasing a used car as it proves to be more economical and feasible compared to a brand new car. Customers need to exercise a great deal of prudence in order to avoid being sold a sub standard or defective car. They should keep in mind a number of factors that prove to be extremely significant while making a purchase.
New car dealers are by and large the safest place to buy a used car, because they tend to sell used cars that are in good condition. However, they may tend to be pretty expensive. Reputed dealers have huge inventories of good cars, and usually have no-haggle pricing. Used cars generally tend to have a bad reputation. By taking along a mechanic or a person experienced with cars, people can check a used vehicle for damages or faults. People wishing to buy a car should do so from a dealer who has been in the vicinity for a long period of time, as such dealers usually tend to sell good quality, reliable cars.
Choosing makes and models of used cars can be an arduous and time-consuming process. However, by conducting suitable amount of research people can make sure they purchase a reliable and sturdy car. Agencies owned by the original parent company may also often sell used cars. It is advisable to purchase cars from such agencies as they usually sell good quality cars. It is often seen that a number of magazines and newspapers also print ratings of dealers and agencies providing reliable and good quality used cars. Details of agencies and dealers providing reliable used cars can also be obtained online through a number of websites. These sites also provide tips and suggestions to customers on purchasing a reliable used car.
New car dealers are by and large the safest place to buy a used car, because they tend to sell used cars that are in good condition. However, they may tend to be pretty expensive. Reputed dealers have huge inventories of good cars, and usually have no-haggle pricing. Used cars generally tend to have a bad reputation. By taking along a mechanic or a person experienced with cars, people can check a used vehicle for damages or faults. People wishing to buy a car should do so from a dealer who has been in the vicinity for a long period of time, as such dealers usually tend to sell good quality, reliable cars.
Choosing makes and models of used cars can be an arduous and time-consuming process. However, by conducting suitable amount of research people can make sure they purchase a reliable and sturdy car. Agencies owned by the original parent company may also often sell used cars. It is advisable to purchase cars from such agencies as they usually sell good quality cars. It is often seen that a number of magazines and newspapers also print ratings of dealers and agencies providing reliable and good quality used cars. Details of agencies and dealers providing reliable used cars can also be obtained online through a number of websites. These sites also provide tips and suggestions to customers on purchasing a reliable used car.
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