Useful Aftermarket Accessories You Could Buy for Your Car

Though most of the modern cars are fitted with everything necessary when they come out from the production lines, there are some useful aftermarket accessories that will come in handy. While some of them are for the protection of your car, there are others that bring in entertainment. There are still other accessories that help your car to provide a more comfortable ride. It is interesting to look at some of them.

Car bra is one of the most useful accessories that provide protection to the front end of your car. Made out of vinyl, most often it could be installed in just 15 minutes. It is able to protect your car from debris you find on the road. If not for this beautiful accessory that covers the front end of your car, flying debris and small stones could damage the paint.

A good set of floor mats is another accessory that will come in handy. The main purpose it serves is to protect the carpet of your car. When you use a set of floor mats that have been specially designed for the model of your car, it will cover all the corners and crevices to prevent dust and water reaching the carpets. The day you are going to trade in your car, it will fetch a better price as the floors of your car will look new.

In case you leave you car in the open when it is at home, it is a good idea to use a car cover specially designed to protect your car. Since it covers the entire car, it will be able to protect your car from the sun's UV rays and the assault of bad weather. A good cover consists of several layers of fabric providing the maximum protection to the vehicle. It is not an expensive accessory either.

If yours is a station wagon that has cargo space in the rear, using a rubber cargo liner is a good way to protect your carpet in the cargo area. These rubber mats have raised edges to prevent water seeping in. When you buy the one that is made for the model of your vehicle, you will find it fitting perfectly. Therefore, it will not look like an aftermarket accessory. This cargo liner that is made to be ready for any weather, will complement the interior of your car.

These are just a few from a large selection of aftermarket accessories that are available in the market these days.

Do Your Research Before Completing a Used Car Purchase

The gas prices have fluctuated numerous times, during the recent years; causing pure panic for many car users. The question of buying a new car, over a used car, can be frustrating to answer. A new car is suppose to guarantee a certain amount of miles per gallon, in addition to not being expensive to repair (warranty). Conversely, there are tons of used cars that can last for a good long period of time, while establishing a reputation of giving the owner a run with their money.

Used Cars Have Proven Themselves 

The gift of owning a used car can be prestigious. A used car comes in many forms: Peugeots, Jaguars, and Corvettes, for example. There are the other great legends, as well: the gas saving Honda Civic and Ford Festiva. As consumers, there is an appreciation for those times of valued prestige. The used car market is attempting to explode.

The Federal Government Gets Involved 

There are laws being passed that are issued in order to protect the prospective used car buyer. For instance, the California Senate Bill 990. This bill is designed to assist the buyer by enabling being informed. The Senate Bill 990 represents requiring a used car dealer to supply the consumer with the vehicle history report from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). This report consists of information regarding the previous conditions of that particular vehicle. The report lists if the used car has been salvaged in a junk yard or is a flood victim.

In reference to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS); this informative entity is a product of the Federal Anti-Car Theft Act of 1992. However, in 1996, Congress reauthorized this act and issued the responsibility to the U.S. Department of Justice. Ultimately, the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System(NMVTIS) was developed to prevent reintroduction of stolen vehicles into interstate commerce; shield consumers from fraud; and to protect consumers from unsafe vehicles.

The issue with the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System is that the consumer commonly has to request this report. If the consumer requests this report, then the vendor is obligated to allocate this report as soon as possible; before the used car sales transaction may be completed.

The Private Sector Gets Involved 

Popular private organizations may furnish the same types of reports for used cars. The Carfax and Experian are two examples of the private utilities that are news worthy. Their reports are accurate and also are based on the used car's vehicle identification number (VIN #). An elaboration, the used car history report is based on the collection of information from collision repair facilities, auto auctions, and police and fire departments. The information is specifically based on the vehicle title. So, make a note; be sure to investigate the used car's vehicle history before completing your purchase. It might be worth your while; both saving time and money.

How to Check the Engine of a Used Car Before Buying It

Are you interested in buying a used car? There are a few things you will need to know first. You will want to have an idea of a few different makes, models, and years of car you want to look at so your choices aren't too limited. You will also need to know what kind of budget you will have and be prepared to stick to it. Whether you are buying from a used car dealership or an independent contractor, it is very important to take a test drive. The number one way to tell what kind of condition a used car is in is to see how it feels when you drive it. Also, be sure to get a report of the vehicle's history.

Most people can tell if tires are bad and spot signs of balding or lack of tread. Most people know something is wrong when the brakes squeal or cause the car to vibrate. However, a lot of people pop the hood and have no idea what to look for when it comes to the car engine. There's no need to be scared, there are a few simple things you can check out:

~Check the Oil - Be sure the level is not too low and the color is not too black. Make sure everything feels dry and they aren't any leaks.

~Check the smoke color- Blue smoke or black smoke could be an indicator that something is wrong.

~Listen to your engine - If your engine is trying to talk to you, then you need to listen to what it has to say! If it makes any noises that resemble a rattle, a whistle, a knock, or a tap then something is very wrong with that engine and you probably shouldn't purchase that car.

~Check the warning lights - This one sounds pretty obvious, but its one eager used car shoppers can easily forget. If there is a temperature warning or "check engine" light on the instrument and panel, that means the engine needs checked (and has probably needed a check for a while if someone knew they were trading in their car).

Have the car checked by a mechanic if possible before you buy it. Don't let the previous owner or dealer convince you the engine troubles will be cheap and easy to fix. This is going to be your car and you shouldn't buy it unless everything is just right.

How to Check Out a Used Car Before Buying It

So, you want to buy a used car. You probably know your budget and what make and model you want. You probably even know what color and the year you're looking for too. If you're lucky enough to find your dream car on that used car lot and it's in your budget there are a few more things you need to consider before driving it home. You want to make sure that the car is safe and in good condition. Here are ten easy steps you can take on the lot to make sure you are getting a good deal.

1. Check for junk in the trunk - A lot of people forgets to look in the trunk of a care they plan on buying, but it's a great place to look for wear and tear. Water stains could indicate holes or leaks in the car and there should not be any rust. Trunks should stay dry.

2. Look at the hoses - They shouldn't have any visible cracks. Don't just look at them, give them a squeeze. They should feel firm, especially near the clamps where most damage occurs.

3. Turn on the air conditioning - Make sure it's cold, it works, and it smells clean. Be sure to check the condenser to ensure the car has an R134 cooler.

4. What's the odometer say? - A car should have less than 20,000 miles put on it a year on average. Keep in mind that the odometer is just one number to focus on, the overall age of the car is just important of a factor.

5. Drive the car - Too obvious? It's not very scientific, but the most important test is to just go with your gut. If it feels good to drive it, then it's probably in pretty good shape.

6. Kick the tires - Not literally. There are much more advanced ways to check tires now. Look at them to make sure they are not balding. Check the tread either by the trademark indicator or the "penny test". Also feel around the tire to make sure there aren't any nails or bulges in it.

7. Try out the brakes - They shouldn't make any noise, cause the car to vibrate, or require too much force to stop.

8. Look under the hood - there should be no rust and/or corrosion on the engine.

9. Check out the car's repair history.

10. Negotiate!

Improve Your Road Trips With Mobile Video Systems and Other Car Electronics

Road trips can be a blast, especially if you have the right accessories in your vehicle. Adding a mobile video or audio system to your car or truck can make your future road trips safer and a lot more fun.

If you're planning a road trip, you'll need to be prepared to spend a lot of time in your vehicle. When you're on the road for a lengthy period, there's a much greater risk of getting into an accident, and there's an even bigger risk of boredom. You can make sure that your next road trip is safe and fun when you secure the right mobile electronics for your car or truck.

Ensure a Smooth and Safe Ride

One of the best electronic additions that you can make to your vehicle is a backup camera. These devices will do a lot to ensure that you don't get into an accident when you are backing out of a driveway or a parking spot. Without backup cameras, you'll have to turn around and crane to see if anything is behind you. Even then, you are likely to miss seeing some objects. A backup camera can also give you great peace of mind, as it will allow you to notice if there are any small children or animals playing behind your car. Because backup cameras can do so much to increase your safety, they're an essential addition to any family vehicle. These systems can be especially useful to you on road trips when you might have to park in unfamiliar areas and back your vehicle up.

Entertainment for Your Kids

Passing the time on a road trip can be a real challenge, and this is especially true when you have children. While parents are often able to stay focused on the road or occupied with a book, it's much more difficult for kids to find ways to entertain themselves in the car. Fortunately, this is something that a car audio video system can help with. Adding a car DVD system with a built-in video screen is a great way for you to keep your kids entertained when you're on the road. Your children can happily watch videos on your car DVD system for hours, and that will give you the time that you need to focus on your driving. If your family likes road trips, then adding a new car audio video system to your vehicle is ideal.

Securing Professional Installation

If you want to add a car audio system to your vehicle, then getting help from professional installation experts is essential. Installing these mobile audio and video systems on your own can be nearly impossible, especially if you don't have any experience with this type of work. If you want these accessories to be ready by the time your next road trip rolls around, then getting help from car audio installation professionals is the right move. Find a good mobile audio and video shop that you can trust, and get these great accessories added to your car as soon as possible.