Just because a car is cheap doesn’t mean the insurance will be. High-cost cars aren’t always the most expensive to insure either. If you are concerned about high insurance rates, you probably shouldn’t go out a buy a new $33,000 Honda S2000 convertible. And that little inexpensive Volkswagen GTI, listed at $22,000, will cost you as much in insurance as its bigger cousin, the Passat, which costs twice as much.

Looking for cheaper insurance rates? The 2004 Chevrolet Aveo and the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado are among the cheapest 2004 models to insure.

The main factor in the cost of insurance for certain vehicles is not in the price, but its claims history. For example, certain cars are proven to be stolen more often. Some have high repair costs or are in more accidents than other cars. There are many factors, not just the cost of the car, that affect the premiums.

Insurance premiums are based on several factors, including:

The sticker price: a car that costs more to buy, costs more to replace.

Repair costs: Repair costs are skyrocketing at nearly double the overall rate of inflation. There are so many technological advance included in cars that they are more expensive to repair.

Theft and fraud patterns: Cars that are frequently stolen are more expensive to insure. Thieves have their favorites based on market demands and interchangeability of parts. The Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry are the most frequently stolen cars. If you live in an area where there are high auto theft rates, you could pay more in premiums. Insurance fraud is also on the rise and will result in higher insurance costs, especially if you live in New York, Massachusetts or Florida.

Model year, weight and vehicle type: The more power you have the higher premiums you will pay. Sports cars, high-performance vehicles and luxury cars have the highest losses for vehicle damage and small, light vehicles have the highest death rates. Passenger vans and station wagons have the lowest losses for vehicle damage. SUV’s and trucks will generally sustain less damage in a collision, but will cause more damage and higher liability claims.

Driver demographics: Your age, where you live, your gender, driving record and credit history will affect your premiums. If you have a bad driving record, you will pay a lot in insurance premiums. If you have a good clean driving record, you’ll pay less for insurance.

Technological progress: New gadgets and doodads in cars will make your premiums higher. This is because the cost of repairs is more expensive.

Import tuners are car mechanics are specialize in providing regular maintenance, or “tuning up” cars that come from other countries. Modifying and customizing cars, especially sports cars, has become a popular pastime. It has given rise to a whole new concept of tuning a car. Tuning a car could be either a cosmetic change or it could refer to changes made internally for optimizing performance. Cosmetic changes like spoilers, ground effects, neon lighting, differently-designed exhausts, loud sound systems, large wheels with low-profile tires and similar changes are common. These changes might satisfy the desire of the owners but are actually detrimental to the car’s performance.

Making internal changes to a car is also popular and many expert tuners can be approached for this purpose. It has now become the norm for manufacturers, especially the Japanese ones, to export not-so-powerful models to the U.S. Tuners then take over and restore the car to its original engine capacity. Modifications like swapping engines and transmissions are done by expert tuners. Examples include the conversion of a Honda Civic into a Civic Type-R or Si or the conversion of the Toyota Celica GT or GT-S into a Celica GT-Four.

Tuning has become such a popular trend that manufacturers are altering their products suitably. A segment known as pre-tuned sport compacts has emerged. Honda, Toyota, Mazda and Nissan are key players in this segment. Accessories for this purpose are also provided by the manufacturers themselves. Not to be left behind, the U.S. domestic market has also opened up to this style of production.

Break system, tune-ups, performance mufflers, and transmission repairs. Cars are valuable enough, both representing luxury and necessity. What’s more is after having spent a lot of your hard-earned money, maintaining its good condition is difficult without having it constantly serviced. And when it comes to that precious car, you cant just go anywhere to have it fixed. Product and maintenance should go hand in hand. And a good auto shop company is just what you need to get the job done… and get it done right.

If you love your car you wouldn’t just take it to any old garage. And if dealerships are too expensive for you then you just have to settle for an auto repair shop that’s enough to work on your car without compromising the work of the service.

Of course there are auto repair shops that go beyond the call of duty in terms of fixing and providing for your car. What are the qualities you need to consider before you entrust your valued vehicle into the hands of another?

First, of course, is reputation. A well-known auto shop speaks for itself when we’re talking about good service. It’s great when their usual clients speak well of them, but its better if their competitors respect them as well. Some town repair shops usually rely on each other when there is a car problem they can’t seem to fix. Imagine having your car in the hands of the best repairmen in town, known not just through their clientele but as well as the competition.

Fully furnished and well-maintained facilities is another obvious quality. Having the capacity to handle tough jobs on your car, using top-of-the-line machinery shows, not just the shop’s capacity but also its commitment to delivering quality service through advanced equipment.

Clientele is another factor. The number and variety of vehicles an auto repair shop attends to speaks well of its capacity to attend to different classes of vehicles. It tells of how well it can accommodate, with a great deal of expertise, even the unique specifications of your car.

Lastly, don’t forget to consider customer service. Your car is not the ultimate client but you of course. A shop that looks after your best interest and attends to your comfort in as much as it does your vehicle is a plus factor.

Being particular about how your vehicle is taken care of is every car owner’s right. Whether it’s just for comfort and style or for practicality and function, either way, it’s about getting what you need for something well used and well earned.

Car can pose dangerous problems during monsoons if it is not prepared for the occasion. Some of the important things that need to be taken care of during a monsoon are listed below.

Tires:
Bad car tires are the biggest cause of accidents during monsoons as they tend to skid upon interaction with wet surfaces. Before the advent of monsoons, one should always ensure that the vehicle tires are properly aligned and in good shape. Tires should have a good tread depth so as to avoid any slips or unwanted jolts. The pressure inside the tires should be periodically checked. Another important strategy is including a spare tire inside the vehicle while going out on a drive.

Wipers:
Wipers are important for providing vision while driving in rain. Before the arrival of the rainy season, one must ensure that the wiper blades are in good condition and functioning properly in all the three speeds. If the blades are in cracked condition, they should be promptly replaced as they could cause scratches on the windshield.

Brakes:
Brakes tend to break down during monsoons. Car must be taken for a regular servicing during monsoons so as to ensure that the brakes are properly fitted. Brake calipers are the most important part of a vehicle and these should be regularly cleaned. Any repair pertaining to brake calipers should be immediately attended.

Rust:
Rust is one common problem that occurs due to monsoons. This could be avoiding by using an anti-rust coating on the car fittings. Another way to prevent accumulation of rust is to use anti-moisture sprays. Apart from that, the engine should be regularly serviced and fitted, so that water doesn’t seep into the engine. The car interiors should be kept in a dry condition. Placing a good quality car perfume could neutralize the stinking odor caused due to monsoons. All the electrical connections should be checked and loose ends must be fitted prior to the arrival of monsoons.

A proper maintenance of the vehicle ensures a better performance of the car without getting hooked up in the middle. One important aspect that needs a periodical maintenance is the exterior of the car. A car with a shiny and scratch less exterior usually fetches higher value when compared to a similar model with a bad maintenance. Below are listed some strategies that could help in maintaining a glossy exterior.

Car should be washed regularly so that dust does not accumulate. Things such as bugs, bird droppings and limestone droppings are often tough to remove if they are left alone. Many times, scratches appear on the body while trying to remove these marks. Regular washing ensures that these things do not exist forever. A pressure is helpful in removing dirt from places that are difficult to reach such as under the bumpers, behind wheel arches and behind moldings.

Another good strategy that could be used to preserve the paint on the car from fading is to wax it after every wash. A proper wax coating using a better quality wax usually remains till 3-4 months. Rust tends to accumulate faster on vehicles belonging to regions where there is high humidity. Rust causes early corrosion in some of the important parts of the vehicle. This could be avoided with a properly done undercoating and rust proofing.

Stone chips and deep scratches should be removed using spray paint as it could cause corrosion. Residual paint marks and minor scratches on the car body could be removed using sand paper, mild polishing and a car wax.

Unfortunately, two of the most unfavorable aspects of owning an auto, are maintaining the vehicle and effecting any necessary repairs. The purchase of a brand new vehicle will however, include a manufacturer’s warranty, with certain stipulations, that will extend for a specified period of time.

During the period that the vehicle is under warranty, the auto dealer will carry out any needed repairs and replace any parts that are covered by the warranty, for no charge. It is a good idea to have all repair work carried out by the dealer while the vehicle is under warranty, as the original vehicle manufacturer could also provide an extended warranty.

An extended warranty, may cover the replacement of any major power train components such as, engine, transmission and differential. Of course, when a new car warranty has expired then an auto owner has the option of choosing any competitive workshop to have the vehicle maintained.

Auto repair is not really an attractive or lucrative profession, however members that join the auto repair industry are well trained, dedicated people that take great pride in their workmanship. Industry members also enjoy the distinction of being placed among the elite of blue collar workers.

Generally, Auto repairs that are carried out at a reputable workshop are expensive, particularly when an auto has been imported or is an all terrain type of vehicle. To have repairs carried out professionally by a qualified technician, then the auto owner must be prepared to pay for the workmanship, especially if the work is to be fully guaranteed by the workshop owner.

Actually, the Better Business Bureau places auto repairs second amongst the most common of all business complaints that it deals with. It is imperative therefore, to have any auto repairs carried out by an authorized, and reputable workshop. Admittedly this is not such an easy task, as it is extremely difficult at times, to find business persons that care for their customers and give them the respect that they rightfully deserve.

It is quite a common practice for auto owners to negotiate with the workshop owner as to the degree of service and terms of any guarantee that may be provided. Any extras that are provided by the workshop as part of the service, such as, car shampoo, tire rotating and blacking may be negotiated away. The auto owner may also negotiate to supply any auto parts that are needed thus reducing the workshop repair bill.

Some people have chosen auto repair as a hobby and are able to carry out basic, maintenance and repair work at their homes. This group of hobbyists, will care about their autos and provide more attention to detail than would the service mechanic who is governed by a clock. They also have the advantage of knowing exactly what is being done to their autos and are able to take precautions that could save them from further costly repair work.

Unfortunately, two of the most unfavorable aspects of owning an auto, are maintaining the vehicle and effecting any necessary repairs. The purchase of a brand new vehicle will however, include a manufacturer’s warranty, with certain stipulations, that will extend for a specified period of time.

During the period that the vehicle is under warranty, the auto dealer will carry out any needed repairs and replace any parts that are covered by the warranty, for no charge. It is a good idea to have all repair work carried out by the dealer while the vehicle is under warranty, as the original vehicle manufacturer could also provide an extended warranty.

An extended warranty, may cover the replacement of any major power train components such as, engine, transmission and differential. Of course, when a new car warranty has expired then an auto owner has the option of choosing any competitive workshop to have the vehicle maintained.

Auto repair is not really an attractive or lucrative profession, however members that join the auto repair industry are well trained, dedicated people that take great pride in their workmanship. Industry members also enjoy the distinction of being placed among the elite of blue collar workers.

Generally, Auto repairs that are carried out at a reputable workshop are expensive, particularly when an auto has been imported or is an all terrain type of vehicle. To have repairs carried out professionally by a qualified technician, then the auto owner must be prepared to pay for the workmanship, especially if the work is to be fully guaranteed by the workshop owner.

Actually, the Better Business Bureau places auto repairs second amongst the most common of all business complaints that it deals with. It is imperative therefore, to have any auto repairs carried out by an authorized, and reputable workshop. Admittedly this is not such an easy task, as it is extremely difficult at times, to find business persons that care for their customers and give them the respect that they rightfully deserve.

It is quite a common practice for auto owners to negotiate with the workshop owner as to the degree of service and terms of any guarantee that may be provided. Any extras that are provided by the workshop as part of the service, such as, car shampoo, tire rotating and blacking may be negotiated away. The auto owner may also negotiate to supply any auto parts that are needed thus reducing the workshop repair bill.

Some people have chosen auto repair as a hobby and are able to carry out basic, maintenance and repair work at their homes. This group of hobbyists, will care about their autos and provide more attention to detail than would the service mechanic who is governed by a clock. They also have the advantage of knowing exactly what is being done to their autos and are able to take precautions that could save them from further costly repair work.

This article answers all questions on the what, when, who, why and where of auto maintenance checklist. A must read for all vehicle owners and especially do it yourselfers.

What Is Auto Maintenance Checklist
Auto maintenance checklist is a regular maintenance checks and simple services that you need to carry out at the appropriate time on your vehicle to ensure that it operates

smoothly and at peak performance.

When Is Auto Maintenance Checklist Necessary
You need auto maintenance checklist to carry out preventive maintenance, based on the prescription of your vehicle’s manufacturer or an expert mechanic.

Your auto maintenance checklist should be divided into three, based on the mileage of your car.
Monthly Checklist: Check you oil level, hoses, belts, tire pressure, air filter, etc.

3 months checklist: Check/change oil and oil filter, brake fluid, transmission fluid, battery terminals and cables, etc.

6 months checklist: Check/change shock absorbers, brake, wiper blades, exhaust system, lights, tires, etc.

Your car specific, manufacturer specified owner manual will tell you what to do at the right time.

Who Can Carry Out Auto Maintenance Checklist
Auto maintenance checklist is arranged to help car owners “maintain” their vehicles, to prevent major break down. Auto maintenance checklist is meant for you, if you are a car owner.

Why Carry Out Auto Maintenance Checklist:
Auto maintenance checklist is necessary because of the numerous benefits to car owners, which includes, the following;

1. It helps in detection of faults or damages early before they get bigger.
2. It reduces drastically the cost of maintaining your car.
3. It helps you to “know” your car the more, and to gain maximum control over it.

And many more…

Having an auto maintenance checklist is a good guide for new vehicle owners who wants to go into do it yourself repair jobs, it will show them what to do, and guide them step by step into car servicing and maintenance, which is one of the starts in do it yourself auto maintenance jobs.

Where To Get Auto Maintenance Checklist
You can get your checklist from

• Your vehicle owners manual
• Auto sites: They provide well illustrated, simplified auto maintenance checklist, and some have forums where you can interact with other vehicle owners, and have real discussion with auto experts.

If you walked into your local car dealer and requested a 30,000-mile maintenance service, is it safe to assume that the dealer will follow manufacturer guidelines when servicing your car? Should the dealer “only” follow manufacturer guidelines? Can they bend the guidelines…?

Here’s a recent and very common scenario that occurred at a local Toyota dealership….

A service customer called the dealer to schedule the manufacturer’s recommended 30,000-mile service for his 2005 4-Cylinder Camry. However, the dealer added several services NOT included in the guidelines.

The additional services included a coolant flush (drain and refill), automatic transmission service (drain and refill), and a power steering fluid change.

According to the manufacturer, the coolant does not need to be replaced until 100,000 miles. The automatic transmission fluid can last until 120,000 miles. And there is no specific maintenance interval for the power steering fluid.

Now, before we throw the dealer under the bus, which, don’t get me wrong, is always a blast to do, is there any legitimacy in recommending these extra services? Are there any circumstances where one may want to consider performing a coolant or transmission service 70,000 to 90,000 miles sooner than recommended by the manufacturer of the car? If we assume that we’re not driving the vehicle beyond its limits, such as racing, off-road, or a high-speed police chase, the answer is no – not in this case.

There are times, however, when it is ok to venture outside manufacturer guidelines. The conditions include, but are not limited to: maintenance neglect, abuse, vehicle age, poor manufacturer design, and poor quality of fuel.

While each of the exceptions above are fun to explore, we should highlight fuel quality concerns. Poor gas quality often leads to carbon build up, which can be remedied by a professional fuel injection service. Aside from this fuel cleaning service (which no manufacturer recommends during regular maintenance), there is no service outside of the manufacturer guidelines that offers any real or lasting benefit.

So how can a dealer recommend services outside of the guidelines set by the manufacturer of the product that they sell and service?

The answer is that car dealerships (the majority anyway) are independent of the manufacturer. In other words, they’re not bound to adhere to set guidelines. In fact, many dealers create there own maintenance schedules. This creative practice is increasing as manufacturers continue to extend maintenance services, stripping dealers of there usual high and comfortable profit margins.

Interestingly, in terms of service, a manufacturer and a dealer are in opposition of one another. Manufacturer’s set vehicle maintenance schedules to keep vehicles maintained according to their standards; however, one of those standards is “low cost.” Low maintenance costs net a positive image to the manufacturer. The service center in a dealership on the other hand, wants cars to be as “high cost” as possible to maintain.

Despite all this, there is another possibility worth exploring in this dealer versus manufacturer scenario. Given that the client called the dealer it’s likely that he spoke with an untrained and under-qualified customer service representative. The representative may have misled the client, providing outdated maintenance recommendations, as the older Toyota’s did in fact require the coolant and transmission services mentioned above.

In larger dealerships, telephones are usually answered by Call Centers. This is a group of people who know little about cars, but are generally pleasant on the phone. Call Center representatives are famous for providing misinformation and miss-reading a detailed automotive service menu, such as a 30,000-mile service on a 2005 4-Cylinder Camry. In other words, one of these representatives may have listed services which are NOT actually part of the service. This happens every day! Few notice…who actually remembers anything after: the service includes and oil and filter change, check fluids, belts, hoses, replace the air filter, set tire pressures….blah, blah, blah…

The owner of the Camry was quoted $450 – which – if the dealer was actually going to perform all that it stated, and the car actually needed it – would actually be a good deal.

Cold weather is coming and in some northern states is already here. That means it’s time to winterize your car.

Vehicle maintenance is something we don’t think about unless there’s a problem, but regular maintenance and routine inspection can prevent unnecessary breakdowns and expenses. Although there are some maintenance items that must be done by a professional, there are some simple things you can either check at home or schedule to have done routinely.

Fluids
Windshield washer fluid is held in a reservoir under the hood that is usually very easy to get to. If you live in a mild climate you may fill the reservoir with water and a little mild dishwashing detergent. However, if you live in a cold climate, water may freeze and burst the container, so be sure to use a windshield washer solvent instead. The same goes for your radiator, use a quality antifreeze mixed with water and use an antifreeze tester to make sure the mixture will hold to the lowest temperature possible for your area.

Keeping your oil and oil filter changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles can add years of life to your car. Dirty oil cuts down on gas mileage and causes unnecessary friction on engine parts. Make sure you change the oil filter every time you change the oil. Check the oil level between changes especially on cars with high mileage. If you let the oil get low you could blow your engine and have to pay serious money for a rebuild. Some people prefer to change their oil at home, but since some people do not have an appropriate (safe, flat surface) place or tools to do an oil change, it’s easier to take it to one of those places that do it while you wait. It only takes about 15 minutes and costs about $20 to $25 so grab a sandwich and a good book then have your oil changed during your lunch hour.

Brake Fluid weakens with exposure to air and moisture and needs to be replaced periodically. Unless you know what you are doing, I recommend you take it to a mechanic and have your brake fluid changed when have new brake pads installed about every 40,000 miles. It’s a good idea to have the transmission fluid checked when you change brake pads.

Tires
Tire pressure should be checked once a month. Be sure to check the tires when the car hasn’t been driven for at least three hours. Look in your owner’s manual or on the inside of the door jam for the manufacturers recommended air pressure. You will need an air pressure gauge which is available for a few dollars at any auto supply store.. Take the valve cap off the tire and place the end of the tire gauge over the valve. Press the gauge straight and firmly until the scale in the center of the gauge pops out. If the scale shows less pressure than your manufacturer recommends, you should take your vehicle to a service (gas) station where there is an air machine. You will again remove the cap from the valve and use the air hose to fill the tire a few puffs at the time and recheck between puffs to make sure you have reached the desired pressure without overfilling.

To check the tread on your tires you will need a penny. Stand Abe Lincoln on his head between each row of tread of your tire. If any of Abe’s head is hidden, you have sufficient tread. You will need to check all the way around the tire not just in one position. Conduct this test on all your tires even the spare in your trunk. The most common cause for irregular wear patterns on a tire is due to one of three things:

1. Not having the correct amount of air in your tire
2. Not having the tires rotated and balanced.
3. The front end of your car is out of alignment.

Tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles or sooner if you car’s manufacturer recommends it. The alignment can be checked at the same time.

Vehicle maintenance is really not that hard once you understand the basics and it doesn’t take that much time to do a few simple tests.

Regardless of whether the left headlight blew, the tire has a slow leak, or the brakes uncontrollably squeal, there is nothing worse than feeling the vulnerability of turning to a mechanic or auto repair center to solve your problems. Many times, mechanics sense your desperation and wish to take advantage of it, charging higher prices for a simple job. Then, there are the individuals who believe taking their car to the dealership for repairs will save them money, but they, too, provide an inflated price list.

When car owners take car maintenance into their own hands, the savings are often extremely beneficial. For starters, do-it-yourself car repair allows individuals to compare prices on the tools and car parts needed to complete a job. Many times, auto shops use products that they have bought at wholesale prices, but then increase the cost to customers. When repairing your own car, you will probably be more willing to seek out the deals on spark plugs, lights, and fuses in order to do the job for the least amount of money possible. You may also choose whether or not you want to purchase new or used car parts, which often costs considerably less.

The Top Do-It-Yourself Car Maintenance Jobs

There are numerous car maintenance jobs that drivers often tackle. Demanding only a small amount of supplies. Changing your own oil is a common maintenance activity that is rather easy to get the hang of. To make sure your automobile has an effective fuel system, learning how to change an air filter is also a helpful skill to possess. Sometimes a fuel filter will need replacing and many car owners have learned to complete this job as well.

Spark plugs should be replaced every two years and car owners will save money learning how to do this task on their own. Batteries should also be changed every four to five years. You don’t need a mechanic to handle battery problems. This job is completely easy to master. Additional car maintenance duties to consider includes replacing the disc brake pads, replacing drum brakes, working on the ignition coils, jump-starting a car and change your electric fuel pump.

Finding Resources to Help With Car Maintenance

When it comes to finding assistance with your car maintenance goals, there are plenty of resources that make these sorts of jobs much easier. One of the best places to start with involves a thick booklet you probably stuffed in the glove compartment: the car owner manual that came with your automobile. Depending on how long you have owned your vehicle, you may or may not still possess this publication.

If you have misplaced this booklet or it doesn’t clearly address your problems, you should get hold of a car book that is specific to your vehicle make and model. There are numerous approaches to consider, starting with purchasing one from an auto supply store, such as AutoZone or Pep Boys. Surfing the Internet for car repair websites is also a nice way to get the important details needed to fix a car. Depending on what type of site you visit, you may have to pay a fee to access various information.

To save money, car repair manuals can be taken out with a library card or photocopied from the library. These books are usually thick and heavy, filled with every aspect of car maintenance and repair. One of the most well known of car repair publications is the Chilton series of auto maintenance, which offers do-it-yourself help for cars ranging from Toyota Camrys to Ford Escorts.

When Not to Explore Car Maintenance

Beginner do-it-yourselfers may save a lot of money by learning how to change their own oil and oil filter, fix windshield wipers, and check the fluids. Tire maintenance, spark plugs, installing a car audio system, or even fixing a broken muffler are all reasonable jobs a non-professional can learn how to do. But larger jobs, such as installing a new alternator, some radiator and carburetor work, as well as engine and transmission repair might fall best into the hands of professional car repairers.

Although self-car maintenance is a real money-saver, you don’t want to place yourself in danger when repairing your vehicle. Some jobs require the knowledge of a professional to truly complete, so if repair instructions seem too difficult to grasp, you might have to surrender and pay a visit to the local auto shop.