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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Car Care Doesn't Have To Cost A Fortune

Car care doesn't have to cost a fortune, find out where to get cheap auto parts...and I'm not talking about the auto parts store.



(NC)—Used vehicles outsell new vehicles by two-to-one, and anyone who's bought a pre-owned car or truck knows that replacing parts is a fact of life. Whether you're replacing a broken or well-worn part or looking to personalize your vehicle with a new set of tire rims, looking for the item online will save you both time and money.

For example, a quick search for auto parts on Kijiji.ca, a free online classifieds website, will bring up thousands of parts and accessories listed by private individuals, auto parts flea markets and small businesses offering great low prices.

With a wide range of items from engines to tail lights, it's no wonder that over 3.1 million people visited Kijiji's "cars & vehicles" category in March alone, more than any other auto site in Canada. Nor do you need to be an auto mechanic to find the right part for your car. Keep the following tips in mind when you're looking to replace a car part or accessory:

• If you're replacing a broken or well-worn part, consult your owner's manual or a mechanic to identify the correct replacement. If you're just personalizing your vehicle, make sure the accessory is appropriate for the make/model.

• Start your search locally. Visit Kijiji.ca and select from one of 67 city-specific sites. Finding a seller in your neighborhood will make it easier to take a look at the part before you buy it.

• Check it out. Make sure you take a look at the item in person before you complete the transaction.

If mufflers, radiators and rims aren't on your to-do list, it never hurts to plan ahead for other auto needs. Remember last year's shortage of winter tires across Canada? Keeping an eye on Kijiji may just get you a great deal and put your mind at ease about the icy season – which always comes sooner than we expect.

Kelly Williams is a respected educator and leader in the automotive industry and a former racecar driver. When Kelly isn't track-side, she is busy acting as a spokesperson for Be Car Care Aware, teaching Canadians how to take care of their

cars. Kelly has also appeared on several well-known TV shows. She is Kijiji Canada's resident car care expert.

The Nuts And Bolts Of Selling Your Used Vehicle Online

Find out the nuts and bolts of selling your used vehicle online with these helpful tips from Kelly Williams and Kijiji.ca.



(NC)—Thinking of selling your car? Look no further than free, local classifieds websites to easily sell your used car or truck online.

For many consumers, selling a used vehicle can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Using a free, local classifieds website like Kijiji.ca allows you to avoid expensive listing fees and helps you to easily find a local buyer for your vehicle. Simply list the car for sale on the website and interested buyers can contact you directly to negotiate the deal. All transactions are done in-person, so you don't have to worry about money transfers and shipping, and there are no fees.

So how do you go about selling your car online? Follow Kijiji's seven tips for selling a vehicle online:

1. Visit www.kijiji.ca and choose your city to get started. Kijiji has individual sites for 67 cities across the country. If you don't see your city listed, pick the one that is closest. Listing the vehicle in a nearby city or town makes it easier for the seller to test drive the car.

2. Make it easier for buyers to find your listing by being specific at the top of the ad. Include the make/model, year and price of the car right in the title.

3. Do your homework. Look at listings for similar vehicles and make note of their asking prices. It's important to consider a fair price for your used car.

4. Make sure to include a detailed description. Ask yourself: what information would I want to know about this car before buying it?

5. Include pictures of the car. It's important to include photos of the car from both the outside and inside.

6. Be courteous; once the ad is posted, make sure you respond in a timely manner to all buyer inquiries. It will help you sell the car faster.

7. Finally, research shows that reliability is the most important overall consideration when Canadians are getting ready to buy a vehicle. So let people know what's under the hood (or what's not), and be prepared to provide the potential buyer with a copy of the work that has been done to maintain the car.

The most popular place to buy and sell pre-owned vehicles can be found online at www.kijiji.ca and by clicking on "cars & vehicles."

Kelly Williams is a respected educator and leader in the automotive industry and a former racecar driver. When Kelly isn't track-side, she is busy acting as a spokesperson for Be Car Care Aware, teaching Canadians how to take care of their

cars. Kelly has also appeared on several well-known TV shows. She is Kijiji Canada's resident car care expert.

Five Questions That Can Save You Money On Car Insurance

Answer These Five Questions That Can Save You Money On Car Insurance and see if you can find a way to lower the cost of your car insurance policy.



(NAPSI)-When it comes to car insurance, there are a number of ways to reduce your premium. And in today's tough economic times, every little bit helps.

Asking a local independent agent the right questions can mean big savings. Leading car insurer Progressive recommends asking these five questions:

Am I Carrying The Right Amount Of Coverage?

Owners of older or inexpensive cars could consider dropping Comprehensive and Collision coverages. Doing that can save hundreds of dollars each year.

Is my policy up to date? If you've moved, gotten married or bought a home, check with your agent--you may be eligible for lower rates.

Should I Raise My Deductible?

According to the Insurance Information Institute, raising your deductibles to $500 could reduce your Collision and Comprehensive costs by 15 to 30 percent.

Do I Qualify For Any Discounts?

Ask your agent if your carrier offers reduced premiums for certain car features like anti-lock brakes. You might also be eligible for discounts if you pay in full, own a home, are a loyal customer, have no recent tickets or accidents, sign up for paperless billing, list another car on your policy and more.

Can I Save By Shopping Around?

Car insurance rates can vary by hundreds of dollars between carriers, so check the rates of several companies to make sure you're getting the best deal. For example, people who switched to Progressive and saved reported saving an average of $550 on their annual premium. And because an independent agent represents several companies, he or she can quickly and easily compare rates for you.

To learn more or to find an agent nearby, visit www.progressiveagent.com.

If you've moved, gotten married or bought a home, check with your auto insurance agent--you may be eligible for lower

rates.

How To Save On Commercial Auto Insurance In The Off-Season

 

How To Save On Commercial Auto Insurance In The Off-Season Seasonal businesses have different auto insurance needs than most people. Find if Progressive can save you money.


(NAPSI)-Ever mowed a lawn in January? Or plowed a snowy driveway on a hot July day? If you own and operate a seasonal business, chances are you aren't working in the off-season, so the insurance you carry should be different than what you carry in-season.

Leading commercial auto insurers like Progressive offer seasonal insurance for businesses like landscapers, snowplow drivers, ice cream truck owners, and more. These coverages allow you to customize your commercial auto insurance based on when your business is running on all cylinders--and when it's not.

Progressive offers these tips for getting the most out of your policy in the off-season:

If your vehicle will be parked during the off-season, you may think you should cancel that vehicle's insurance during that time. But if you'd like to protect your vehicle and still save a little money, just switch your insurance to a Comprehensive-only policy. This will give you basic protection against incidents like vandalism, theft, falling tree branches and hail.

A Comprehensive-only policy also gives you the bonus of having continuous insurance coverage. If you drop your insurance completely, you may pay significantly more to get a new policy when in-season rolls around because most insurance companies want to see proof of continuous coverage.

If you plan to drive your work truck or other vehicles for personal use during the off-season, let your insurance carrier know. They can adjust your policy to reflect personal use, which can be less expensive while still providing coverage.

A local independent agent can help you determine which coverages are right for you and your business. To learn more or find an agent near you, visit www.progressivecommercial.com.

Even though you wouldn't mow a lawn in winter or plow a snowy driveway in summer, you still need to insure your

equipment year-round.

Is Your Car Ready To Drive?

Is your car ready to drive? Let's read the tips from Dr. FuelGood and find out about preventitive maintenance on your vehicle.


(ARA) - Americans are holding on to their automobiles longer, and this means proper maintenance is key to keeping their cars running smoothly and efficiently.

Dr. FuelGood is Sam Memmolo, an ASE-certified auto technician and automotive expert for Shell. He has the following advice on the best care for your car:

"As a master auto technician and passionate car enthusiast, I’ve worked on a number of different types of vehicles throughout the years -- from hot rods to motorcycles to minivans," Memmolo says. "I constantly stress that there’s no substitute for preventative maintenance. A little TLC can go a long way when it comes to taking care of your vehicle and avoiding costly repairs. Whether you drive a performance-oriented sports car or a more practical family vehicle, there are a few basic tips that I recommend all drivers follow to ensure your car is ready for the road."

Change Your Oil: Regular service can help prolong the life of your vehicle.

A regular oil change is the service most likely to help prolong the life of your vehicle. Yet recent nationwide vehicle inspections found that 32 percent of vehicles have low, overfull or dirty engine oil, according to a 2008 study found on www.carcare.org, indicating that many motorists fail to perform this important task. Changing the oil (not just topping it off) using a high-quality motor oil that meets the specifications recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer helps your engine get the lubricant protection it needs. Don’t forget the following tips:

* Check the oil level regularly and change the oil at the intervals outlined in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

* Many manufacturers recommend different oil change intervals for different driving conditions. Follow the guidelines for the conditions under which you typically drive, such as “normal” or “severe service.”

* Replace the oil filter with every oil change.

Go With The Flow: Check all of your vehicle’s fluids.

Engine oil is not the only fluid your vehicle needs to run properly. Reference your owner’s manual to find information on where fluids are contained, exactly how to check them, the type your vehicle uses and how much should be in each “reservoir.”

If you see drops of fluid under your vehicle, you should be able to identify them by color or consistency. A few small drops are probably not a cause for concern, but you should take note of small puddles. Here is a guide to recognizing fluid leaks:

* If the fluid is yellow-green, blue or fluorescent orange, it could indicate a cooling system leak or an overheating problem.

* If the fluid is dark brown or black, it is most likely engine oil. The engine could have a bad seal or gasket or a loose oil filter.

* A red oily spot means you probably have a transmission or power steering fluid leak.

* A puddle of water is usually normal and is simply condensation from the air conditioning system or the defroster.

Choose Carefully: There is a difference in the fuel you choose.

Some of the world’s top automakers -- Audi, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen -- recognize that current Environmental Protection Agency minimum detergent requirements do not go far enough to prevent engine “gunk” (harmful carbon deposits) that can harm engine performance. To raise the bar on fuel quality, these auto manufacturers designated the voluntary TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Standard to help drivers avoid the problems that can be associated with using lower quality gasolines.

Fortunately, preventing engine gunk is as easy as choosing the right gasoline. Shell recently introduced the new Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines, containing a unique, patented cleaning system designed to seek and destroy engine gunk left by lower quality gasolines. The new Nitrogen Enriched formula helps clean and protect critical engine parts in both conventional and modern engines, and it is TOP TIER Certified.

No matter what grade of fuel your vehicle requires, it’s important to use a high-quality gasoline that meets TOP TIER standards. Industry research confirms that a clean engine can result in better fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and overall optimal engine performance.

The Bottom Line

Next to buying a home, a vehicle is probably the most expensive purchase many people will make. That’s why it makes good economic sense for owners to take proper care of their vehicles through preventative and routine maintenance. “Most of us will switch vehicles throughout our lives, but it’s important to remember that basic car care knowledge is the same regardless of make or model,” says Memmolo. “So even if you decide to trade in your reliable family sedan for a flashy convertible -- or vice versa -- following these basic tips will help you take better care of your car.”

Cash For Clunkers? The Car Allowance Rebate System

Cash for Clunkers or (CARS) is a government funded billion dollar program hoping to help stimulate the economy and get some cleaner running cars on the road. You may be eligible for $3500.00 to $4500.00 dollars towards the purchase or lease of a new vehicle.

What is the Car Allowance Rebate System?

The President has enacted a program called The Car Allowance Rebate System (Known as CARS)...most of us call it Cash for Clunkers. The government will allow a rebate towards the purchase of a new car or lease, when you trade in an older, and most likely less fuel efficient vehicle.

Cash for Clunkers or CARS Explained

The Cash for Clunkers or Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) is a government program that will help drivers drive or lease a vehicle that is environmentally friendly. There are certain dealers who will participate in this rebate system or Cars for Clunkers as it is commonly called.

This is a $1 billion dollar program that will not only put cleaner, more fuel efficient cars on the road, it will help to stimulate and energize our economy. Consumers will be able to trade in their older, less efficient gas guzzling vehicles for brand new models that are more economical to drive and are friendly to our environment.

Who is Eligible?

Each consumer who is eligible for a rebate will get anywhere from $3500.00 to $4500.00 in the form of a discount from the dealer when they trade in their clunker for a new model. This rebate system is not for everyone. To find out if you are eligible go to cars.org.


Here's a quick run down of the Cash for Clunkers program:
Your vehicle must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date and it must get less than 18 miles to the gallon. (Truck mph is different.)


Only purchase or lease of new vehicles qualify

Generally, trade-in vehicles must get 18 or less MPG (some very large pick-up trucks and cargo vans have different requirements)

Trade-in vehicles must be registered and insured continuously for a full year preceding the trade-in

You don't need a voucher, dealers will apply a credit at purchase

Program runs through Nov 1, 2009 or when the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.

The program requires the scrapping of your eligible trade-in vehicle, and that the dealer discloses to you an estimate of the scrap value of your trade-in. The scrap value, however minimal, will be in addition to the rebate, and not in place of the rebate.


What Should I Bring to the Dealer?

These are the items you should bring to your car dealer to qualify for the Cash for Clunkers or The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS)

Proof of Insurance for 1 entire year. If your insurance card will expire before a year after the date of the trade, you will have to ask your insurance agency for evidence of at least 1 full years worth of insurance. The form from your insurance company must include the insurance company name, your auto insurance policy, your car's VIN number, The beginning and ending date of insurance coverage for at least one full year

You must have proof of your vehicles registration and it must go back at least 1 year.

Your vehicle must have a "Clear" title. You cannot have any liens or other encumbrances, if you do they must be cleared before you go to the car dealer. You must also then, show evidence that there is no lien on the vehicle or your title must be signed and stamped.

The vehicle must not be over 25 years old according to the vehicle manufacturers date that can be found on the driver's door or door jamb.

If you cannot produce the above documentation there is still a process to help you take advantage of the Cash for Clunkers program (The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS)) These include:
Evidence from your insurance company that you have at least 1 years worth of insurance on the vehicle you want to trade in.

You will have to contact the DMW in your area and get copies of past registration certificates to prove that you have owned the trade in vehicle for at least one year prior to the trade.

The registration must be in the same name as the vehicle's title, and they both must be in the same name as the new car buyer.

Clear your title if needed, by paying off any outstanding loans and get a newly issued title at the DMW that is free of liens or encumbrances, or have the lien release document from the actual lien holder. It also must be signed and stamped to prove the clearing of the lien, or you must have your title signed and stamped to prove it is cleared.

The dealer will ask you to certify the following under the penalty of law, that the above documents and paper work will prove to the dealer and he will verify the certification process.


Is My Trade-in Eligible?

Your trade-in is eligible if:

The vehicle is in drivable condition

The vehicle is registered under your name and you have owned the vehicle for one year or more.

The vehicle has been insured continuously for at least 1 year from this day's date.

The trade-in vehicle is titled in your name and has been for the last year.

You have not participated in the Cash for Clunkers (CARS) program before.


To find out more about Cash for Clunkers go to cars.gov or contact an eliglible dealer in your area. This

information is from www.cars.gov.

Cash For Clunkers Not?

Cash for Clunkers...Not? With over 22,782 vehicles already purchased via the CARS program by Wenesday and a total of $96 million had been spent already, there is cause for worry. The new program, it was hoped, would get some older and less efficient cars and trucks off the road and at the same time boost auto sales. With sales down 35%, the auto makers needed something to stimulate sales, but I guess $1 billion dollars just wasn't enough.



With the “Cash For Clunkers” or Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) already making an impact on new automobile sales – Hyundai, who jumped the gun and began offering the program early reported close to a 10% increase in vehicles sold as a result – it is no surprise that many critics are latching on to the more controversial aspects of the program.

Signed into law by the Obama administration in a purported effort to convince Americans to switch to more fuel efficient cars and reduce the impact of driving on the environment, upon closer examination it appears as though the green aspects of the program are fairly weak. For example, participants are only required to demonstrate a 4 mile per gallon fuel economy increase over their old vehicle, as long as the new automobile gets at least 22 miles per gallon combined, in order to qualify for the minimum rebate. This is seen by both environmentalists and industry watchers as a largely insignificant increase in fuel mileage, certainly not capable of producing any dramatic results in terms of reducing America’s dependence upon fossil fuels. The rules for trucks are even more lax, with a minimum of a 1 mile per gallon increase qualifying for the first tier of CARS rebates.

There is also the dubious green practice of encouraging consumption. The reality is that it takes a significant amount of energy to build a new car, a process which generates large amounts of the greenhouse gases and other pollutants that the CARS program is ostensibly attempting to reduce. By encouraging drivers to trade in their older cars which have long ago paid back their carbon debt through years of usage on newly minted machines that have tens of thousands of miles to go before they can boast the same, the incentives aren't exactly embracing the fundamental message of the environmental movement. Reduce, reuse and recycle would appear to be forgotten, although the final two “R's" in the time honored slogan will at least be honored when the vehicles taken in under the program are sold for scrap metal that is then used to build new vehicles and other items.

If the Cash For Clunkers program will have any truly lasting impact on the American auto industry it will be to shake car and truck sales out of the cardiac arrest that it has found itself in for the past year. While this economic stimulus is indeed admirable, couching it in the language of environmental politics is certain to leave a bad taste in the mouths of many.

This article was trying to explain what the Cash for Clunkers program was trying to accomplish. Of course, amid rumors of the program's suspension, Congress will have to review the results of this short lived attempt to boost auto sales. GM and some members of Congress would like to see the government come up with more money to keep the program

going.