Automotive Blog: all you wanted to know about cars

Posted in General | October 19, 2020 

You love to ride. You’re out every weekend enjoying the fresh air and feeling the exhilaration that you can only get when riding your bike. Maybe it’s time to expand your horizons and take a road trip. 

Change of Scenery

If you are like most bikers, you have your favorite routes and haunts. Get out of your rut and see something new. If you have a national park on your bucket list, ride there. Motorcycles are a great way to tour the parks and enjoy the natural settings they offer. Ride responsibly because the low-frequency sound of motorcycles travels further than most engine noises and can adversely affect the wildlife. You’ll have plenty of chances to rev the engine during other parts of your trip.

New Challenge

Taking a road trip allows you to find a more challenging ride than your typical route. Before you leave home, make sure you have what you need to make the ride comfortable. If you aren’t already equipped, you will need Harley Davidson accessories Amarillo TX like backrests and luggage racks. Determine the amount of challenge you want. If you are an extremely skilled rider, consider the Tail of the Dragon. This 11 mile stretch of road along the North Carolina-Tennessee border has a whopping 318 curves.

Freedom

The best reason to take a long trip on your bike is the feeling of freedom you get from having an unknown road in front of you with the wind at your back. Although it sounds a bit cliché, every motorcyclist knows that feeling. Everything is more vibrant as you experience the thrill of speed. You meet the nicest people when you are out on your bike. It’s a community with a passion for freedom. 

You have more than enough reasons to hit the open road. 

Posted in General | October 19, 2020 

Getting in an accident is a terrifying experience, and after one occurs, you’re so rattled that you just want to go home and lie down. However, you must take these steps to ensure that you can safely drive the next time you need to go somewhere.

Share Your Insurance Information

You and the other driver should share your insurance information with each other. If the accident is bad enough that you must call the police, provide your insurance to them as well. Based on who is at fault in the accident, either of your insurance companies will assume financial responsibility. As you leave the scene, make sure that your insurance information is back in your car.

Decide What To Do With Your Car

Depending on the severity of your accident, your car may be completely fine, or it may be totaled. With the help of your insurance company, decide whether you should repair the damages or buy a new car. If your car is totaled, contact a company that specializes in junk cars Dekalb County GA. That way, you have some money to use for your new car search.

Prepare for Future Driving

Immediately after your accident, you must prepare yourself to get back on the road. Most people feel at least some degree of anxiety when returning to driving after an accident. After a severe and traumatizing accident, you should ask your doctor for a referral to a counselor. Even if you don’t need counseling, practice a few calming techniques such as box breathing and grounding in case you have a sudden anxiety attack.

After an accident, you have to do so much paperwork and worry about so many medical and financial issues. Take these steps immediately to streamline your return to stress-free driving while staying safe on the road.

Posted in General | October 19, 2020 

Owning your first car is often both exciting and stressful — exciting for the sense of freedom that comes with it and stressful for the major responsibility. The process of buying it can be an ordeal, and when you get the keys, you may just want to hit the road and leave all care behind. You still need to consider a few more things, however, before packing up for your first solo road trip.

Find a Reliable Mechanic

While there are benefits to taking your vehicle to a dealership for repairs, you’ll save a lot of money if you find a good, reliable neighborhood mechanic, especially for regular maintenance. Local shops have lower labor rates and often charge less for parts, so you can save money when you need anything from an oil change to new power transmission bearings. Ask friends and family who live nearby for recommendations so you end up with someone you trust. Do research before something goes wrong with your car. That way, if something does come up, you’ll have a plan and less to worry about.

Keep Up With Maintenance

You may be tempted to delay regular servicing in order to save money, but this is a mistake that could cost you much more in the future. It’s important to keep up with scheduled maintenance, such as oil changes, as advised so that your car continues to run smoothly. Keep records of every time you take your vehicle into the shop so you know exactly when certain parts were updated and can stick to the recommended schedule. If you have an automotive technician you trust, then follow advice concerning things such as brake pads, transmission fluid and air filters.

Think of automotive maintenance as you would preventive medical care. You need to eat well, exercise and have regular check-ups to make sure your body is working as it should. Your car also needs regular care to avoid serious, expensive issues down the line.

Posted in General | October 19, 2020 

For some people, vacation is just as much about the trip as it is about the final location. Consider the following factors to plan a great road trip that everyone can enjoy.

Destination

One of the joys of a road trip is its inherent spontaneity. It’s okay to have a destination in mind, though. When you choose an end point that features attractions each person who is going with you will like, the anticipation of your arrival is half the fun.

Budget

Nothing puts a downer on a getaway faster than running out of money. While road trips are among the most affordable vacations you can take, you still need to set a budget and stick to it. If you are going to be gone more than a weekend, it’s a good idea to divide your budget into per diem allowances so that your comfort at the end of the trip matches the extravagance at the beginning.

Safety

Since you are going to be spending a lot of time in the car, you want to make sure it’s in top working condition. Get a full tune-up and make any necessary repairs before you leave. It’s also smart to have contact information for service stations that offer tire changes and repairs Prattville Al, along your route.

Entertainment

No matter how much you love to drive, long stretches of highway can get boring after a while, and you may run out of things to talk about. Bring games that you can safely play in the car to pass the time. Plan specific stops along the way so that everyone can stretch their legs and see something new. Finally, create a playlist that everyone is likely to enjoy.

A road trip is a fun, economical way to create lasting memories with friends or family. With a little planning, you can have a trip you’ll all be talking about for years to come.

Posted in General | October 11, 2020 

A broken windshield is usually unexpected and frustrating. Hearing that sound of a rock hitting the glass and then seeing it broken could leave you with questions. Should I get if fixed? Do I call a auto glass company? At some point it will need to be fixed. In this article we will go over when it’s safe to keep driving or use a windshield replacement company.

It’s All About Location

There are two key factors if you need to get a windshield replacement right away or if you can continue driving. The first one is where is the crack located? If it’s directly in your line of sight then it’s something you will need to get fixed right away. It’s dangerous to have anything blocking your line of sight while driving. Having a crack obscure your vision can easily lead to even bigger issues such as a car accident. Don’t try to risk it and call a mobile auto glass company to fix it.

How Is The Structural Integrity

The second factor if you can drive safely with damage to your auto glass is the structural integrity. You might not realize it but your auto glass plays an important role in your vehicles over all structural integrity. One small crack can be all it takes to diminish the strength of the vehicle. If the crack is at the top or bottom of the windshield, you should be able to buy sometime before getting it fixed by an auto glass company. If the crack is in the middle of the windshield there should be a much quicker response to getting it fixed since it can spider out and become larger.

Should You Repair or Replace

This will all depend on the size of the crack. If its less than one inch in diameter and less than three inches long. If you’re within this category, there are a number of do it yourself kits to try. Or you can call an experienced auto glass company to repair it for you. The process will be to apply a resin to help get the vehicles structural integrity back. A couple important things to know about a repair is that it will never be back to the aesthetic condition before the crack happened. There will be noticeable blemish that will be recognized. The second important factor to consider is that no matter how secure the resin is, there is no guarantee that it will stop spreading the crack and cause more damage. Things like hitting a pothole or putting any pressure on the glass can make the crack worse even after a repair.

The windshield replacement is the only way to guarantee that you would not have any more issues with the crack. The disadvantage is that a windshield replacement is a much more expensive approach than an a repair. If you have the funds available, it would be in your best interest to call a mobile auto glass company and get a quote on what it would cost to replace. Even though it’s more expensive it can provide you with a peace of mind when your back on the road.

Posted in General | October 1, 2020 

Many people dream of starting their own business. Some have a hobby that they want to turn into a career, while others love the idea of being their own boss but have yet to find the right business idea to make it happen. Anytime you are thinking of starting a business you want to make sure you’re doing something sustainable and something that will work in the long run, but you also want to ensure that it’s unique enough to stand out and meet a need for your community that isn’t currently being met.

1. Dry Cleaning

House cleaning businesses are quite common and so are laundromats; a good dry cleaner, however, is harder to find. Due to the processes and equipment involved in dry cleaning it can be a bit intimidating to start this type of business from the ground up. You can purchase the equipment you need for a dry cleaning business, like a dry cleaning conveyor, software, washers, dryers and presses, at a discount by getting them used or refurbished. Since dry cleaning is necessity for many people your business will succeed, provided you do your job well.

2. Antique Dealer

Becoming an antique dealer requires no equipment or even a building to host your business. You will, however, need knowledge of antiques, where to find them, their value and fair resale prices. This is a good business to start small as you only need a few quality pieces in the beginning. You’ll also need to know how to market your items so you can resale them.

3. Bicycle Repair

For an individual, a bicycle repair business works well as a part time job. Bicycle repair is easy to learn and you the tools you will need are things you likely have around the house already. Almost everyone owns a bicycle and nearly everyone will experience issues with them at some point. While some people may be able to fix their bikes on their own, some people won’t have the skills or the time to do so and will happy to pay a reasonable fee to someone to fix their bike.

Starting your own business is a great way to support yourself or to earn an extra income on the side. The possibilities for the kinds of businesses you can start are endless. You can not only find something that will pay the bills but you can also find something that will enjoy doing and something that will bring you a great sense of purpose as well as allow you to give back to your community.

Posted in General | September 15, 2020 

Around 8% of the adults in America own a motorcycle. Having a motorcycle allows you to hit the open road and enjoy all of nature’s beauty. As winter approaches, many motorcycle owners are starting to prepare their prized possessions for storage. During the colder months of the year, riding a motorcycle can be extremely difficult.

This is why you need to focus on getting your motorcycle ready for a long period of not getting used. Failing to properly store your motorcycle during the winter can result in lots of damage being done. The following are some tips for storing your motorcycle during winter.

Find the Right Storage Unit

Most motorcycle owners don’t have the free space needed to store their bikes for winter. Rather than leaving a motorcycle out in the elements, you need to consider renting a storage building. There are a number of establishments that offer motorcycle storage Wellington FL. Before you choose a facility to use, do your homework to ensure no mistakes are made.

Going in and inspecting a few different storage facilities is a great way to get a feel for what is being offered. During these inspections, take some time to assess the security measures a facility has in place and the size of their storage units. With this information, choosing the right storage facility will be a breeze.

Prepping Your Fuel System

You also need to prep your motorcycle’s fuel system before putting it in storage. Leaving fuel in the tank for too long can result in injectors getting clogged. This is why finding the right fuel additive is so important. The right fuel treatment will allow you to keep the gas in your tank fresh.

Start Preparing Your Motorcycle Now

By properly prepping your motorcycle for winter, you can avoid mechanical issues.

Posted in General | September 11, 2020 

Coffee is an essential part of the day for many people so it’s important to know the different options available for brewing at home. There are three primary methods, all taking different amounts of time and rendering different results, allowing you to choose which works best for you.

French Press

Making coffee with a French press is the most time consuming method but it also has many benefits. The biggest advantage of a French press is that it allows the user to adjust each variable according to their own individual taste. You can decide how long to brew the coffee grounds, the ratio of grounds to water, you can even grind your own beans the way you like. Each adjustment will give a different outcome, so you can have your coffee precisely the way you like.

Percolator

A percolator, or a drip coffee maker, is what most people use. Many percolators today have the option of individual pods that are convenient and easy to use and clean up. With percolators the variables are mostly set so you don’t get as much individuality on taste, but it’s quicker and requires less preparation than a French press, which is its main advantage.

Instant

Instant coffee is probably the least popular on this list as far as taste and quality go. However, instant coffee can be taken with you anywhere you go and, as long as you have hot water, you can have a cup of coffee. You don’t need a coffee pot or any special equipment at all and instant coffee usually comes in individual packets that are made for travel. Also, there’s no waiting around for instant coffee, it’s ready in an instant, as the name implies!

Whatever way you like your coffee, you will no doubt find the method that works best for you, both for brewing and for taste. With so many options, there’s something for everyone! 

Posted in General | September 10, 2020 

No matter what business you are in, you need marketing materials. From business cards for new stores to postcards for real estate marketing, all businesses do well to utilize the myriad of materials available for getting the word out about your goods or services.

Business Cards

Business cards are compact, easy to hold on to and can contain a lot of information. When you create your business cards, be sure to add your logo and any slogan or taglines. You want people to know who you are and what you do. Also include your web address, email address and phone number. Fax numbers are of little use in the days of scanners and emails, so don’t be afraid to skip it. 

You will also want to avoid odd shapes. Although odd-shaped cards are certainly memorable, they do not fit comfortably in a wallet. If they don’t fit, they are easy to lose, and then you lose business.

Postcards

Postcards are an excellent way to mail your targeted consumers. Flyers get thrown out easily. People think of flyers as junk mail and throw them out immediately. Postcards, however, are smaller, can be more colorful and easier to view. You can copy your business card design with your name, slogan, website, email and phone number. 

A postcard can give all of the relevant information in a durable and easily mailable form. It gives potential clients something sturdy to hold and to keep. 

Brochures 

Like business cards and postcards, brochures should match your marketing design. They should contain all of the same information that the other materials do. They also should contain information about your business. For instance, if you own a restaurant, you should add your menu to the brochure. Many people pick up brochures at events, hotels and other venues.

Make sure that your print marketing materials fit your business. They should be designed to help people find you, not represent an annoyance. Remember to market to your audience.

Posted in General | September 3, 2020 

Have you ever walked into streets that smell like pure trash? Unfortunately, not everyone is responsible when it comes to littering. Litter left to accumulate poses a threat to public health and the environment that bring long-lasting consequences. By reducing these hazards, the community keep the streets clean and protects everyone’s property. A street sweeper Washington truck accumulates trash from the street, which helps improve the city’s appearance while also providing several perks that can save lives and reduce cost.

Saves the Economy

The United States spends $11.5 billion annually to clean up litter. Although litter control seems trivial, workers have to use equipment to remove debris from the asphalt and pick up trash in the city park. With less money spent on removing litter, cities can commit to a larger budget and spend funds on more productive projects. Clean streets can reduce the risk of car accidents, since there would be no trash on the street blocking their way. Furthermore, converting trash into renewable energy protects the environment and accelerates job growth that affect several industries.

Protects City Health

Street garbage and hazardous waste left to rot can invite bacteria and parasites, which both bring disease. These diseases often cause discomfort and pain, making it difficult for several people to carry on with their lives. Old packaging and other debris could cause unforeseen injuries to pedestrians and motorists. A man riding his bike to the store could face serious injuries if he attempts to maneuver from a littered sidewalk onto the road. Some litter, such as cigarette butts, can spread large fires that put everyone in immediate danger. With a street sweeping service, it’s possible to keep the city clean while protecting it’s inhabitants.

Keeps Sewers Clean

You may sometimes wonder what happens beneath the street asphalt. When rain or snow impacts an area, the precipitation doesn’t always evaporate. Stormwater brings pollutants to the surface and cause flooding, often flowing through the streets before merging with other bodies of water. During severe weather, runoff can clog underlying sewage and leave trash flowing across the street into various areas throughout the city. The increased exposure to filth and garbage can impact communities in other unimaginable ways.

Street sweeping is an essential city service that improves the quality of life for so many people. Clean streets can help reduce the risk of air and water contamination, which can bring disease and interfere with a leisurely yet productive lifestyle. Reducing several hazard risks entails several little responsibilities that eventually add up, contributing to a greater effort in protecting the overall environment.