When Should You Reassess Your Auto Insurance Policy?

As one of the most purchased types of insurance, many auto insurance holders do not realize that the premium they pay is not a permanently set price. Insurance companies factor in a number of variables when deciding the price of a policy. Over time, these factors can change for an individual driver which can affect the price of the policy. Experts recommend that consumers reassess their auto insurance policy each year or if there has been a sudden change in their personal situation that will affect the price they pay as well as their coverage. If you have auto insurance, below are a number of situations where it would be wise to reassess your policy:

1. Vehicle Type: The type of vehicle you drive will affect the price you pay for insurance. For instance, the cost of car insurance for an expensive and high performance sports car will be much higher than for a traditional family car that is used to do local errands and such. It is important to inform your insurance provider if you get a new vehicle. The history, make, model, and year of the vehicle will all affect premiums. As well, if you buy a fuel efficient car such as a hybrid, you should be able to get a discount on your car insurance.

2. Driving History: If you have a history of traffic violations, speeding tickets, and accidents, you will be assessed as a high risk driver and pay more for your policy. However, if you clean up your record and maintain a good driving record, after a specific number of years, the penalties will be removed from your record. If you have restored your driving record, you should contact your insurance provider and inquire about paying a lower rate.

3. Personal Life Changes: Statistics are used to determine the price of a policy. Because research has shown that married people with children tend to have lower incidents of accidents because they drive more carefully, if you have recently married, you should check with your insurance provider to see if you can get a better rate. As well, you should contact your insurance company if you get a divorce or your spouse dies.

4. Where You Live: The location of a driver will affect the price they pay for their insurance. For instance, more densely populated places that have a high crime rate will be assessed as a high risk so people living in these areas will pay higher premiums than people living in more rural and low crime areas. If you have recently moved from a city to a rural area, or even to a quieter and less populated residential community, you should contact your insurance company to see about getting a discount. As well, if the security factors have changed such as you now park your car in a garage at night instead of on the street, or you have recently installed anti-theft devices, you should contact your insurance provider.

Insurance companies rely heavily on research and statistical data to set their policy rates. Because car insurance is something we all must have in order to drive, it is always beneficial to take steps to reduce costs. As well, it is important that we all have the proper coverage. To reduce costs and avoid financial hardship, people should reassess their policy at least once a year.

The Wonderful 1932 Ford

The 1932 Ford ranks as one of the most popular cars in the first fifty years of automobile history, if not in the entire history of the auto. The “Deuce,” as it is popularly known, is regarded as one of the first hot rod cars. The design for the ’32 Ford began as a total revision of the Model A, which was fast becoming obsolete during the early 1930’s. The goals for the 1932 Ford included a powerful engine and sleek art deco styling. Pinstriping, an immediately recognizable front grille, and chrome detailing are just a few of the standout features of this hot rod.

The 1932 Ford roadster was in fact faster, more comfortable, and more refined than its Model A predecessor. There are actually two versions of the ’32 Ford, one with a four-cylinder engine and one with the new V-8 flathead, which offered more power. The four-cylinder model is known as the Model B, while the V-8 engine style earned the name Model 18. The Model 18, in fact, offered the first V8 engine to be commercially successful. This revolutionary engine gave the 1932 Ford immediate popularity with hot rodders in the 1930’s and 1940’s, and in fact this classic car remains popular today.

The basic styles in the 1932 model year included the “5-window” and the rarer “3-window,” which featured front-opening doors. The 1932 Ford came in a total of fourteen different body styles including roadster, cabriolet, coupe, sedan, Victoria, Phaeton, and several others, ranging from $460 to $650. Despite being introduced during the height of the Great Depression, the 1932 Ford brought reliable and affordable transportation to the masses. Known by many names, including the “Baby Lincoln”, the 1932 Ford helped establish the Ford name as a reliable and affordable luxury car make. Both practical and beautiful, the 1932 Ford became popular not only with car enthusiasts and hot rodders, but with everyday drivers.

The 1932 Ford has remained popular with hot rodders since its introduction, when a Deuce roadster could be found relatively inexpensively. Hundreds of these roadsters found their way to dirt oval track racing despite having only 65 horsepower. These simple cars were easily stripped down and modified for racing. Thousands of Deuce hot rods have been built over the years. Even today, the 1932 Ford remains a favorite for modification thanks to its classic lines and well though-out detailing. Today’s collectors enjoy restoring their ’32 Ford to its original condition and adding details in keeping with the design of the original ’32 model.

The popularity of the 1932 Ford, however, was not enough to keep a total revision at bay for the 1933 model year, which featured even sleeker lines and a longer body. Although these 1933 and 1934 models were more powerful and initially sold better than the Deuce, today the popularity of the 1932 Ford is unquestioned. Although in production for only a year, no other car is as popular among hot rodders as the 1932 Ford. Today, reproduction parts and even whole frames and bodies are available for any fan of the ’32 Ford to rebuild this classic car.

Factors That Influence Your Transmission's Performance and Longevity

Your vehicle's transmission is a sophisticated collection of moving parts. The assembly's purpose is to allow your engine to operate within its optimal range of RPMs. From planetary gear sets and clutches to seals, gaskets, and a torque converter, these and other components work together to transfer power to your car's drive wheels.

But like all components with moving parts, the individual pieces wear down over time. They begin to fail, and eventually cause the assembly to seize. When this happens, your choices are limited to replacing the tranny, or retiring your vehicle. Both options are expensive.

In this article, we'll discuss the factors that influence the life of your vehicle's transmission. Because replacing it can cost thousands of dollars, prolonging its useful life should be considered a priority. With this in mind, we'll also offer a few helpful suggestions for maintaining the assembly and identifying warning signs when they appear.

Transmission Fluid: The Lifeblood Of The Assembly

Your vehicle's engine needs oil. The fluid lubricates the moving parts and helps keep the temperature surrounding the engine under control. Your transmission also needs fluid to operate properly. In this case, the fluid provides a measure of "slip," so the gears can engage in a way that optimizes the performance of your engine. The fluid also helps to control the heat surrounding the tranny.

Some technicians warn against changing the type of fluid in your automatic transmission. They claim switching the type would change the way in which your tranny shifts and finds gears. This, in turn, can cause the individual pieces of the assembly to wear down more quickly. Whether this is a significant risk is unclear. That said, there is rarely a need to change the fluid type unless your mechanic suggests doing so.

The Effect Of High Temperatures

Here too, your transmission is similar to your engine. Heat is generated by friction between the moving parts. It is also generated by the torque converter and the clutch plates. The problem is that high temperatures will cause the assembly to seize (again, like your engine).

During normal operation, the temperature of the fluid within your tranny climbs to approximately 175 degrees Fahrenheit. It should remain at that temperature as long as your vehicle is on the road. If it does, your transmission can potentially last over 100,000 miles.

When the temperature of the fluid climbs higher, it loses some of its lubrication qualities. This leads to varnish appearing on the internal parts of the assembly, which impairs the performance of the tranny. Meanwhile, the heat continues to climb and eventually, the seals begin to deteriorate. Leaks form, the clutches burn, and the assembly starts to slip and die.

How To Maintain The Assembly

Given the high cost of replacing or overhauling the transmission, it's worth spending time upfront to make sure it remains in good condition. This mostly involves the fluid; it should be changed periodically. Most mechanics suggest changing it every 30,000 miles, though your owner's manual represents the last word on the subject.

Identifying Possible Signs Of Trouble

Most problems with the transmission start small and worsen with time - often, quickly. The most common issues are leaks and shifting problems. Leaks are generally easy to spot by inspecting the ground directly underneath the assembly. The fluid will have a reddish tint. Keep in mind, leaks will not resolve themselves. They must be addressed by a mechanic.

Shifting problems that are not fluid-related are usually due to inaccurate data being sent by your car's computer. This can occur if a sensor is failing, and thus sending bad data to the computer. It can also occur due to a faulty connection somewhere in the assembly.

If you notice leaks from your transmission, have your mechanic inspect the seals and gaskets. If you notice shifting problems, have him run a diagnostic test. While it costs money to do so, it's an investment in prolonging the life of the assembly.

An Introduction to Buying Aftermarket Replacement Car Parts

Having car parts replaced is an expense every driver would prefer to avoid. Not only is the component itself often expensive, but the per-hour labor charges can add up to three times the cost of the part to the final bill. For this reason, many people look for ways to minimize their cash outlay at the repair shop.

Unfortunately, rather than negotiating the labor charges, a lot of motorists cut corners by purchasing cheap - and thus low-quality - parts. While the upfront price makes them seem less expensive, the long-term costs are often higher because the components need to be replaced sooner.

In this article, we'll explore this issue in more detail. We'll first describe your three options when replacing a failing component, so you'll have a clear grasp regarding where to start. We'll also provide a list of key factors that should influence your decision in the event you decide to buy aftermarket parts. Lastly, you'll discover the true price of buying "cheap" components.

Knowing Your Options

Suppose your vehicle's starter fails. Your first option is to buy a rebuilt starter as a replacement. Because this is the least expensive route, a lot of people choose it, hoping to save a few dollars. The problem is, few drivers have a clear grasp regarding what "rebuilt" actually entails.

A rebuilt component can mean a lot of different things. For example, one rebuilder may strip a part down, clean each individual piece (replacing those that are worn), and then reassemble the rebuilt according to strict OEM standards. Another rebuilder may simply clean the component and apply a new coat of paint. In short, quality depends largely on the rebuilder.

Your second option is to purchase a new aftermarket replacement, but to do so from a manufacturer other than the OE manufacturer. Many drivers presume this means the replacement will offer lower quality. In reality, the quality may be just as good, or even better.

Your third option is to buy a new replacement from the OE manufacturer. Of the three choices, this is the most expensive route. It's worth noting that the higher cost does not necessarily imply higher quality. In fact, despite what many people believe, an OEM-certified rebuilt may offer more value than an OEM component from the original manufacturer.

Factors To Consider When Purchasing Aftermarket Components

As implied earlier, the quality of a given replacement part is largely a result of the manufacturer or rebuilder. Both will usually have a consistent reputation. If you're purchasing a new aftermarket component, make sure it is OEM-certified and comes with a generous warranty. If you're buying a used component, ask your mechanic whether he will vouch for the rebuilder.

Regarding the warranty, length is important. New aftermarket components will usually come with a 1 or 2-year warranty. Rebuilt or used parts, however, will often have warranties limited to ninety days. That said, there are used auto parts dealers that offer OEM-certified components with warranties lasting as long as 3 years.

Price is another factor to consider when buying aftermarket car parts. Producing or rebuilding components with a high level of workmanship requires time, effort, and materials. These elements are usually reflected in the price. While a high price may not necessarily translate into a high level of quality, a severely underpriced part is unlikely to be reliable.

The Price Of Buying Cheap Auto Parts

The biggest problem with purchasing cheap auto parts is that they often fail much sooner than their equivalent OEM-certified components. These cheap replacements rarely come with a long warranty. Over time, the long-term cost of having them replaced more frequently usually exceeds the upfront investment in higher-quality parts.

If you plan to sell your vehicle in the near future, cheap replacement parts may be appropriate. They represent an ideal solution for fixing your car without spending much money. If you plan to keep your vehicle, however, invest in OEM-certified parts that offer higher quality and a long warranty.

Understanding the Role of Your Car's Timing Belt

Beneath the hood of your car lies the timing belt (TB). Though many drivers are unaware regarding what this part does, it is essential to the efficient operation of your engine. If it breaks or slips from its place, your engine will stop working. It can even sustain heavy damage.

In the past, cars were equipped with timing chains. These chains were noisy and expensive to produce, so today, TBs are made from a durable rubber. This means they will wear down with use. The problem is that there are seldom warning signs that a timing belt is about to fail. Given the potential damage that can occur when they do, automakers recommend mileage intervals - usually between 50,000 and 90,000 miles - at which to have them replaced.

In this article, we'll explore how the timing belt works and its contribution to your engine's operation. I'll also describe the difference between the two types of engines (interference and non-interference) in the context of how each is affected by a slipped belt.

Valves, Camshafts, And The Timing Belt

Recall how your engine operates. It goes through a 4-stroke combustion process. Air and fuel mix together, are compressed, and ignited, creating gases that expand and generate power. Air and fuel enter each cylinder's combustion chamber through its intake valve. Following ignition, the exhaust is allowed to escape through the exhaust valve.

Your engine goes through this process thousands of times each minute. In order for it to operate efficiently, each cylinder's intake and exhaust valves must open and close at precisely the right moment. This is the responsibility of your timing belt.

The belt turns on a series of sprockets and drives your car's camshaft and crankshaft. For every revolution of the former, the latter makes two. As the camshaft revolves, it controls the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves. Its timing is perfectly coordinated with the pistons inside each cylinder.

As long as the TB remains securely on the sprockets, the turning of the camshaft and crankshaft will synchronize the intake and exhaust valves to the pistons. If the TB slips or breaks, however, the entire assembly will come to a stop. Depending on whether your engine is an interference or non-interference assembly, the slippage may cause significant damage.

Interference Versus Non-Interference Engines

An interference engine is one in which there is very little space between the top of the piston's trajectory in the cylinder and the valves. In such assemblies, a timing belt that breaks or slips from its sprockets can cause the piston to slam into one of the valves. This can lead to damage to the affected valve, the piston, or both.

In a non-interference engine, there is more room between the pistons and valves. Thus, a TB failure is unlikely to cause damage to either, though it will result in your engine shutting down.

Inspecting The Belt For Potential Failure

As mentioned earlier, your owner's manual will include the automaker's recommended service interval for changing the timing belt. You should also take the time to inspect it every 10,000 to 15,000 miles.

On most vehicles, you should be able to examine the TB by lifting the hood of your car and removing a plastic covering behind which it sits. Look for small cracks and fissures in the rubber. Also, inspect the belt's teeth to make sure all of them are in good condition. If you see a tooth that is broken or showing signs of advanced wear, change the timing belt. Otherwise, you will risk the belt slipping in the future and potentially causing damage.

Your vehicle's timing belt plays a key role in the smooth operation of your engine. To avoid expensive repair bills, make sure you change it according to the service interval recommended in your owner's manual.

5 Warning Signs Your Transmission is About to Fail

Your car's transmission is designed to operate smoothly for years. Even though there are myriad moving parts working together, and each can potentially malfunction, the assembly should be free of problems for at least 100,000 miles. With proper maintenance, it can last twice as long.

When problems arise, they are usually obvious. You'll see, feel, or hear leaks, lurching, and whining (respectively). Unfortunately, many drivers ignore these indicators, hoping they'll resolve themselves. It never happens. The underlying issue continues to worsen until the transmission eventually needs costly repairs.

This article will help you avoid that scenario. I'll describe five clear warning signs your vehicle's transmission is on the verge of failure.

Tip 1 - Is Your Engine Light On?

Years ago, the engine light implied there was a problem with your engine. This is still the case, but cars are designed with much more complexity these days. Sensors constantly transmit data regarding your vehicle's operation while you're on the road. This data includes air intake, coolant levels, throttle position, and more. These sensors can also note small aberrations while shifting, many of which will escape your notice. The data is sent to the computer, which triggers the "check engine" light.

If the light comes on, have a mechanic pull the trouble codes from the computer. Alternatively, you can buy a diagnostic scanner (as low as $40) and pull the codes yourself to see whether they suggest a problem with your transmission.

Tip 2 - Are There Leaks Under Your Car?

Fluid courses through your transmission to provide lubrication to the moving parts and transfer heat away from the assembly. Without a sufficient supply of this fluid, your tranny would overheat in the same way your engine would without oil. The problem is, there are many seals and gaskets in the assembly that can wear out over time. When they do, they develop leaks.

If you notice a few drops of reddish fluid on the ground underneath your tranny, there's a good chance the assembly is leaking. Check the fluid level immediately and replenish it if it's low. Then, have your mechanic find and fix the leak before it worsens and becomes more expensive to resolve.

Tip 3 - Does Your Car Whine Or Hum?

A transmission under stress may emit a high-pitched whine or a low-pitched hum. Symptoms vary by vehicle - even those of the same make and model - since each is designed a little differently. Whatever issue is causing these two sounds will persist until it is resolved. If the issue is neglected, it will likely worsen and eventually, lead to the assembly's failure.

Tip 4 - Do You Hear - Or Feel - Grinding?

This warning sign is more prevalent with cars equipped with a manual transmission. The grinding sound might be caused by a worn clutch or the collars sitting between the gears on the differential. In both cases, the problem should be considered a priority.

An automatic is less likely to grind, but may shake when the assembly tries to find the right gear. This shaking may be accompanied by a lurching sensation or clunking sound. Given that the tranny should always shift seamlessly, this is an indication that something is wrong and needs to be addressed.

Tip 5 - Is There Hesitation While Shifting?

As noted, under normal circumstances, your transmission should shift smoothly. In fact, you should barely notice the gears changing. Hesitation means there is a problem in the assembly that is affecting its ability to find the right gear. On an automatic, it typically occurs when you're trying to shift in or out of "Park," though it can also occur while you're driving. On a stick-shift (i.e. manual tranny), it will often happen when one of the drive gears is already engaged. In both cases, the problem will only worsen.

Transmission problems are usually costly to repair, and thus many drivers tend to ignore them, hoping they'll go away on their own. They never do. If you notice any of the above warning signs, have the underlying issue resolved as quickly as possible.

Investing in a New Car Versus Keeping an Older One

Automakers and dealerships are more willing than ever to extend rebates and other generous offers in order to spur sales. As a result, the thought of replacing your current vehicle with a new one might seem particularly enticing. Not so fast. From a purely financial perspective, there are compelling reasons to hold onto your current car and replace parts when they fail.

While buying a new automobile poses plenty of perks, it will also leave your bank account much lighter than a used one. In this article, we'll compare the pros and cons of both. We'll take a look at the effects of depreciation and the ongoing cost of ownership. Then, we'll offer a few suggestions for finding value among the used gems.

The Initial Loss In Value

The moment you drive a new vehicle off the dealer's lot, it loses nearly one-fifth of its value. The reason? Depreciation. Every new automobile hemorrhages a large portion of its value almost immediately. Moreover, by the end of the first twelve months, most cars have lost over 30 percent of their value (some lose even more).

This is one of the main reasons to keep your current vehicle, or consider buying a used one when the time comes to replace it. If you purchase a car that is four years old, the majority of its depreciation has already occurred. In most cases, the increased costs associated with maintaining - or repairing - a used vehicle do not offset the higher price of a new car.

Considering The Cost Of Ownership

Few people think about the ongoing cost of owning and driving their vehicle. In addition to the monthly payments (in the case of a new car), you'll need to allocate part of your budget to fuel, insurance, repairs, and regular maintenance. Given that these expenses can add up to thousands of dollars each year, they're worth considering.

Because of depreciation, new cars are very expensive to own. After a few years have passed, the cost of ownership declines. By years six through eight, the combined cost is equal to that of the first year.

For used vehicles, depreciation has already taken most of its toll, and thus annual ownership costs are already much lower. However, the costs associated with repairs and maintenance rise with age as parts begin to wear down and need to be replaced. There are plenty of resources online that will provide the average carrying cost for a particular make, model, and year. Factor this in when deciding whether to buy a new model.

Uncovering Value In Used Vehicles

New automobiles are expensive to own and drive while older ones are much less so. The question is, how old is too old in the context of maximizing value per dollar spent? A 1999 Honda Civic may come with a budget-friendly sticker price, but will repairs and maintenance become too expensive down the road?

Experts suggest one of the best places in which to find automotive value is in vehicles that are between three and four years old. As noted earlier, most of the depreciation has already occurred by this point. Hence, the money you spend is more likely to be reflected in its resale value.

Late model cars also offer the benefit of being roadworthy for several years into the future. You may need to replace the alternator, fuel pump, and invest in a new set of tires, but such vehicles tend to have plenty of life in them.

The one area in which buying a new car trumps keeping an older one is with the factory warranty. When you purchase a new vehicle, the warranty all but guarantees you'll be protected from an unexpected cash outlay due to a failing part or system. Most major components are covered. That said, you can also invest in an aftermarket extended warranty that provides a similar level of coverage for your current automobile.

Buying a new car may be appropriate if you're willing to absorb the higher cost of ownership. Otherwise, consider keeping your current vehicle and investing in high-quality replacement parts when necessary.