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Ft. Worth, Texas – Dan Wheldon crashed today at the Texas Motor Speedway during a practice run. He injured his right ankle after rolling his car on the infield grass.
Wheldon, who teams with Chip Ganassi Racing, is expected to enter Saturday evening in the Indy Car Bombardier LearJet 550 race.
This is the question you should ask yourself the next time it comes down to repairing your car after an accident. For cosmetic problems the choice is obvious: get it fixed. But structural damage may run into the thousands and the repairs may not be up to standards and may cause future problems or the safety of yourself and your family.
How do you know that it is best to repair your car or just total it? Just ask collision expert Chuck Russo at http://www.iwantmycartotaled.com. He has more than 30 years in the body shop business and knows all the right questions you should ask your body shop and insurance company to make sure the repairs are done correctly.
It’s a membership site, but for $40 (pre-launch) it could save you thousands or even get you a new car!
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), when comparing a automobile to a motorcycle rider the motorcycle rider has a 35 percent greater chance of getting hurt or dying in a automobile accident compared to a driver in a automobile. When wearing a helmet it is less likely that the motorcyclists will receive a serious head injury and more likely to survive the accident according to the The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Safety helmets for motorcycle users are the law in many states, optional in others. Especially so if the helmet is rated for safety and is properly fit to the wearer. Safety is what it’s all about right.
When wearing a motorcycle helmet it will protect your head against the following, it protects your face, your ears and you are able to have an intercom system to talk to others. A helmet protects your head and your face from injuries. There are many different types of helmets ranging from helmets that have a face guard and helmets that have an open face so you can feel the wind on your face, helmets can be customized to your specifications. Looking for full face helmets can be a challenge. On helmets the face shield can retract by lifting up and down.
Because Motorcycles lack the protection of other vehicles, such as a car or truck, severe injury is much more likely. For comfort and protection they generally have fabric and foam interiors. Motorcycle helmets act as a protection device for your head.
When looking at helmets to purchase don’t let the price determine which helmet you will purchase, you will need to look at the protection factor it can provide and how it is rated. When manufacture design a helmet they look at many different factors, one of the factors is how much impact a helmet can receive without hurting the persons head, many helmet manufactures put padding and made the inner side soft while the outer shell is very hard and very difficult to penetrate.
Trying to find a helmet that fits is very important, when looking at helmets try them on and make sure they fit snug and the feel is comfortable. If you are buying a helmet for a child make sure the helmet fits snug and the child can see out of it and the helmet doesn’t turn around while wearing it, if you are buying a used helmet make sure there are no cracks, the padding is in the helmet and the strap still works.
Even if you don’t choose to wear a motorcycle helmet for safety reasons, there are other reasons. When looking for motorcycle helmets there are so many choices and many different designs, colors and visors. Some manufactures match the men’s helmet with the women’s helmet and other accessories.
Safety helmets successfully reduce the chances of head injury to a great extent. For instance, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated in a report that if you do not wear a helmet there is a 40% chance that the rider will suffer a head injury and a 15% chance of it being a fatal head injury.
David Marc Fishman is the owner of Priceriot. http://www.priceriot.com is an auction site where prices drop as people shop. http://www.tipsquad.com is an Ask an expert video site.
If you’re a Motor Trader you’ll know more than anyone just how price sensitive the automotive industry can be. And as Motor Trade Insurance is likely to be one of your companies biggest outgoings paying the right price for your Motor Trader Insurance is going to be vital.
Whilst the UK has benefited from a pretty stable financial environment in recent years with rising house prices, low interest rates and many companies making money there now maybe signs of a change. During 2006 interest rates rose steadily and with 1 rate rise in 2007 already (and with more forecast as the year progresses) there is every chance that there will be less disposable income in the UK economy.
So what will this mean for consumers and Motor Traders?
Well for consumers it could mean they have less money to spend on new cars, second cars or indeed on the servicing and repair of existing vehicles. There is also every chance that as value for money becomes more of an issue they will shop around to secure the best price and service.
And when Motor Traders Insurance policies come due for renewal there is every chance they too will start looking around to secure the best deal on their Motor Trade Insurance. And if indeed money is an issue it is very easy for companies in the motor industry to opt for the cheapest is best option. After all, isn’t one type of Business Insurance pretty much the same as all the others?
Well for Motor Traders in the UK I would urge you to proceed with caution as whilst low cost motor trade insurance is available from many different insurance providers you don’t want to leave yourself in a position without the right level of cover or the right insurance excess (or deductable).
For many motor traders the best option to take when buying motor trade insurance for the first time or when their current motor trader insurance comes due for renewal would be to consult the services of an insurance broker. An insurance broker who specializes in motor trade insurance can search the market to find you the right cover at the right price so you not only save time – but you also save money.
In the event of you needing to make a claim they can also help you get the claim settled quicker and more favourably. A good insurance broker should give you advice and make sure you only pay for the insurance cover you need and want.
For more information about Motor Trade Insurance visit Northern Counties Insurance Brokers at http://www.northerncounties.com/motor-trade-insurance.php Northern Counties – The UK’s Business Insurance Broker
Whether to buy a new car or buy a used car is often times the first decision that needs to be arrived at before you can actively begin perusing purchasing your next vehicle.
Let’s take a look at some tips, pros, and cons when it comes to making this decision.
First of all, having been in the automotive business for many years, I almost always lean toward finding a good used car that fits what I am looking for. For me, I believe that used cars offer the best value for your dollar. In most cases, you’ll find used car departments are much more used to and willing to negotiate the price that they have posted on the car. From a negotiating standpoint, most used cars won’t have all of those superfluous dealer ‘add-ons’ stuck on the window either that will just never do.
In the automotive market, used cars will most certainly come with a lower initial price tag than a comparably equipped new car. And not only will the price be lower, you may also find that so is your cost to insure the used car as well as the tags, and taxes. Depreciation being what it is; means that with a car a couple of years old, the biggest depreciation hit has already occurred. And from a tangible perspective, you may have a better chance of getting those upgrades you’d like to have on the used car that you couldn’t otherwise afford going with the new.
Yet, with all of this, buying a used car isn’t for everyone. Finding a used vehicle that fits one’s entire car buying criteria can be a tough exercise in balancing what you want with the value versus risk inherent when it comes to used cars.
Not so many years ago, reliability was a major concern when purchasing a used car… and rightfully so. Today however, reliability problems are a fraction of what they used to be. Today’s vehicles, when properly maintained will easily go for 100,000 miles and it’s not uncommon for vehicles to be motoring along as they approach 200,000 miles or more. And with all of the information now available online, the risk factor is again reduced even a bit more.
Even though more reliable today, buying a used car for people means buying a car that is probably out of its original bumper to bumper warranty. This alone, is enough to repel many potential car buyers back to the new car side of the dealership.
As you know, if you are looking at buying a used car, you are probably looking at a car that is outside the factory warranty or at least would have very little remaining. With no warranty you’ll be on the hook to pay for any needed repairs out of your own pocket. However, the biggest expense for most all cars today are the things that aren’t covered by any manufacturer’s warranty anyway; items such as brakes, tires, alignment, batteries, etc.
Of course nobody can guarantee that you won’t encounter a lemon. No matter what the make and model, no manufacturer can produce a vehicle that can withstand years of neglect and/or abuse. Always, always, always give the used car a thorough inspection both by yourself and a qualified mechanic; doing this will catch most problems that may be looming on the horizon.
When it comes to financing the purchase of a used car, you find that the going interest rates will typically be higher than new car rates. This is definitely a piece of the puzzle you’ll want to check out. There is no rule of thumb as to what the difference in the interest rate will be between the two because there are just too many determining variables involved such as; the economy, rebates and incentives involved on the new car side, your credit, length of financing, and even the type of used car you’re looking at. Be sure to crunch the numbers for both sides.
With used cars, insurance can save you some money as well because you’ll typically pay less for your insurance on a like model from a few years past. The reason is simple; less cost of replacement for the insurance company and used cars are generally not high on the stolen lists.
And finally, (the latest) safety features could be a concern if you’re looking at used car (particularly if you’re going back a few model years).
All in all, if the touch, feel, and smell of a new car, isn’t a top priority for you, I think you’ll find that a well thought out used car purchase you can get more car and features and still be within your budget.
Jeff Neilan’s car dealer experience offers insightful car buying tips that save you time and money. Be sure to visit http://www.acarbuyersguide.com for car financing tips, ownership costs, & more.
Before you even set one foot onto a car dealership check and know what shape your credit is in. Even if you know it is in good shape… here’s a flash for you – credit reporting companies make mistakes… and many of them. So, be smart… begin your car buying process the correct way… know your credit score.
You should begin the process of self evaluating your credit well in advance of doing your car shopping.
Why? Because if you find incorrect information or reporting on your credit report it will take some time in order to get it corrected or removed… and if you don’t you may pay for the mis-information quite handily in the form of paying a higher interest rate than you would otherwise have to.
For instance if you were to finance $20,000 for 5 years at 0% interest rate (obviously you’d pay no interest) your monthly payment would be $333.33. If however, because of credit issues (either correctly reported or not) you signed up at 7.9% your payments would be $71.00 dollars per month more for a painful $4,274.28 more in interest payments alone.
And just to pile on a bit more… this means that your loan payoff will always be higher so if you get the urge to trade cars two, three, or four years into your loan… you’re going to be much further upside down!
There are three credit reporting agencies – Equifax – Experian – Trans Union – and it’s best to get a report from all three. Also, if you are married you’ll want to get your spouse’s as well.
First check to determine what your FICO score is. FICO scores can range from about 300-900 with the higher the number being the stronger credit score. Lenders have differing criteria in how they evaluate and grade FICO scores so the break lines between poor – average – good – excellent can vary somewhat but generally the best auto financing rates are granted to those with a score of 700 or better.
Basically your credit score is based on five determinants: payment history – unpaid debt – how long you’ve had established credit – how much credit you’ve acquired or applied for lately – the types of credit you’re carrying.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a good website for understanding what your rights are under The Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Work to update outdated information that may be a part of your credit report and by all means begin the process of correcting any mis-information or incorrect payment history. Once you have corrected the mistake, be sure to check your credit report again in about 60 days to see how much of your credit report has changed and if your score has improved.
Working to get your credit report in order may take some time and diligence, but it’s like paying yourself. Remember, the difference of a not so many point swing in your credit score can get you that 7.9 interest rate instead of that 0% interest rate.
It’s your money… don’t waste what you can control.
Jeff Neilan’s car dealer experience offers insightful car buying tips that save you time and money. Be sure to visit http://www.acarbuyersguide.com for car financing tips, ownership costs, & more.
The traditional car buying experience is often seen as an overwhelming task. But thanks to the Web, customers can save time and enter a dealership precisely knowing what they want to buy.
How many times have you started the process by visiting different car dealerships? Purchasing a new or used car is a significant investment and you will hopefully be keeping your vehicle for awhile. You likely have certain features and options in mind, which will help narrow the scope of which models you will consider. But because you want to find the best car to meet your needs, the process can be intense and arduous.
Many car companies and dealerships are posting their inventory online so you can search for a car to best suit your needs. If you begin with the website as your first step, when you walk into the dealership, you have a narrowed list of vehicles that have the features you want, in your price range and you don’t have to waste a lot of time driving around from one dealership to another.
There are three different types of auto retail sites available for car buyers and each has its own unique advantages.
The Coast-to-Coast Dealer’s Website
When browsing online for your car, one of your primary concerns may be selection. CarMax is an online car dealership with a large inventory, located in several states across the country.
When you visit the site, you enter the make, model, price range and other details for the type of car you want. You are asked to enter your zip code, and then given a list of available vehicles at locations near your zip code. You can compare models, pricing, features, mileage, and other details.
If you aren’t sure what type of car you want, this is a good option to check out as many cars as possible in your price range.
The Local Dealership’s Website
The local dealership is probably the best option if customer service, in addition to selection, is important to you. The difference is similar to shopping at a large retailer versus the small specialty shop owned by a local family known for their contributions in the community. But whereas that small specialty shop may not have an inventory comparable to the big guys, the local dealership may not only offer a comparable selection of cars, but services that you won’t find at the larger auto retailers.
Conklin Cars is a new and used car dealer with several locations in Kansas. When working with a dealership that has several locations, you have the advantage of a large inventory, and working with specialists at each location. Customers who have visited the Salina car dealer site, for example, can also visit the company’s Newton car dealership and Hutchinson auto dealer sites online or in person to compare models, features and pricing.
But in addition to searching for cars based on brand, make, model, new, used, and even “building” the car you want, customers can also send questions to the dealerships’ parts and service technicians. Rather than running all over town to try and find the right part your car needs, or taking the car to a mechanic that may not be familiar with your car, you’ve got both covered at one location. This works well because it gives you a one-stop-shop option for not only purchasing your car, but care and maintenance after purchase.
Other notable advantages of using a local dealership include better, low-pressure sales and customer service, in addition to unique services. At Conklin Cars, sales reps are trained to create relationships with customers for any of their car buying or car service needs. For example, customers can rent a vehicle from Conklin Cars, a unique feature of this local dealership not found at many auto retailers.
Brand Name Shopping
If you have a particular brand in mind, visiting the company’s main site is probably your best option. A manufacturer’s website will offer a comprehensive look at all of the company’s offerings. Saturn, for example, is known for its low-pressure, no-haggle pricing. Like most automotive brands, the site is quite comprehensive with a photo gallery of different models, pricing, features and other valuable information to help you make an educated decision on which one of their vehicles will best suit your lifestyle.
Modern technology has created an opportunity for the car buyer to save much time, effort and stress when shopping. Depending on whether you want a vast inventory, a local resource capable of providing all of your car service needs, or you’re focused on one particular brand, beginning the car buying process online is a smart move. If you know your budget and enter the dealership with a clear decision on which cars you want to see, you’ve got the hardest part of the car-buying process covered, and all that will be left to do is make a decision and go through the paperwork.
Scott Conklin is president of Conklin Cars, a Salina car dealer (http://www.conklincarssalina.com/), Hutchinson car dealer (http://www.conklincarshutchinson.com/) and Newton car dealer (http://www.conklinnewton.com/) in Kansas. You can shop online or visit their locations.
Even if it is just chemicals outgassing, there’s nothing like that new car smell. It says you’re smart, responsible and successful. In fact, the only thing better than the new car smell is the pride you’ll feel as you take your new wheels for a spin.
It’s certainly no secret that driving a stylish new car is fun and exciting. New cars carry warranties that protect you from unnecessary maintenance and repair bills for extended periods of time, so they can be great investments. The secret is in buying a brand new car, truck, van or SUV without deflating your budget. For many smart shoppers, the right car loans turn their new car dreams into realities.
Direct Auto Financing
One of the biggest money-saving actions you can take in purchasing your new vehicle is with financing through an independent car lender. This borrowing plan is referred to as "direct financing" or "direct loans."
Direct financing is any kind of financing action, set up by you, without the help of the car dealer. There are considerable savings and minimal risks involved in direct loans, making them the best option for many new car buyers. When you walk into a dealership with a guarantee new car loan in hand, you’ve got automatic bargaining power. You’re able to have an upper hand in negotiations, and you can stand equally to your dealer. In the end, this increase flexibility keeps you from falling into the common trap of dealership price fixing and additional financing costs.
Shopping Strategies
The first strategy in shopping for new car loans is securing independent financing. With that in mind, allow yourself further flexibility by applying for a loan limit of at least a little over what you expect to pay. This gives you extra room for flexibility at closing time, without having to worry about the loan limit. Of course, you’re under no obligation to use your entire loan limit. Arranging for automatic payments is another way to lower your rates. By having your car loan payments deducted electronically from your bank account, you can save more money over the duration of your loan.
Price Haggling
Car dealers are seasoned professionals who are trained to get every dime out of you.
For that reason, it’s no wonder that so many people part with a lot of money after "negotiating" with a car dealer. Unless you’re an experienced negotiator, or have an armor of thick skin, going through a new car purchase can be an agonizing experience. The best protection from slick sales types is to walk in to the dealership with your financing already in place. When you’re in this position, you’ll find car dealers haggling with each other to get your business. Talk to local car dealers, and make it clear to them that you’ve been shopping around. Let them understand that you won’t settle for anything less than the very best deal. This leaves the dealers working to get your business, while all you need to do is choose the best one.
Owning a new car can make you feel like a million bucks, without feeling like you’ve just spent a million bucks. Shop around for car loans and make smart financing decisions, and you’ll soon be cruising along and taking in that new car smell.
George Davis writes for several web sites, including http://togeb.com, http://www.usedcars.biz, and http://real-product.com
Selling your car or truck? It’s important to keep in mind that prospective used car buyers evaluate the person selling the care almost as much, if not more, than they examine the car itself. In order to win their interest and their trust it is crucial that you should make a good impression. Wherever possible possible, strive make your prospective customers feel comfortable and be open in your response to their inquiries.
Be ready to answer their questions as soon as prospective buyers start calling. Answer questions posed over the phone honestly in an effort to prepare callers for what to expect when they see the car. This works to save both you and the customer a lot of time and work by making only those appointments that have a reasonable chance of becoming a sale. Furthermore, strive to make appointments with each customer for a specific time, rather than leaving them to some vague time such as "after work", or "Saturday afternoon".
Remember that making an appointment when selling a car increases the chances of the buyers showing up. Don’t feel obligated to wait for a late customer. To help things go smoothly, request a contact number (preferably a cell phone) and take it in stride if some prospective buyers don’t show. Cancellations, with or without notice, are simply part of the process.
It should be expected that any potential buyer will ask to test-drive the car. Ride along with them so you can answer questions, as well as ensure the safety of the automobile. There is also the possibility that the customer may not be familiar with the area, so riding along with them allows you to serve as a guide.
Some of the buyers are likely to want to have the car inspected by a mechanic. If a mechanic has already checked it, this is the right time to show that paperwork. This is a reasonable request in any transaction such as buying or selling a car.
Protect Yourself
It is important to be cautious and to take steps to ensure your safety and the safety of your interests. For example, holding onto a buyer’s driver’s license is a reasonable safeguard if a buyer insists on going on a test-drive by his or herself. If the buyer has a problem with this arrangement there’s a very good chance that allowing an unsupervised test-drive would go against your best interests. On the other hand, it’s not unreasonable for a buyer to want the car checked by a different mechanic if it has already been checked by yours. Be prepared to go with the flow a little bit, and you are more likely to get a sale.
Patricia Brown contributes to several popular web sites, especially http://great-product.com, http://www.truckparts.biz, and http://productstips.com