Car Maintenance Archives | MyImprov Defensive Driving Tue, 14 Nov 2023 02:30:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://www.myimprov.com/wp-content/uploads/logo-cts-smile.png Car Maintenance Archives | MyImprov 32 32 210546214 3 Signs it Might be Time to Replace Your Windshield Wipers https://www.myimprov.com/3-signs-it-might-be-time-to-replace-your-windshield-wipers/ https://www.myimprov.com/3-signs-it-might-be-time-to-replace-your-windshield-wipers/#respond Fri, 07 Dec 2018 21:31:24 +0000 https://www.myimprov.com/?p=45503 Have you ever been driving through a rainstorm and your windshield wipers were so old and worn that you couldn’t see in front of…

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Have you ever been driving through a rainstorm and your windshield wipers were so old and worn that you couldn’t see in front of you? Windshield wipers are meant to be changed periodically for this very reason. In fact, it is one of the things you learn when you take an online defensive driving course for driver safety.

It is important for your safety, as well as that of your passengers to know when windshield wiper replacement is needed and how to install windshield wipers on your vehicle. Believe us when we say that waiting until your windshield wipers are so bad that you can’t see during an unexpected rainstorm is not a good idea. Here are some telltale signs that it is windshield wiper replacement time:

Replace Your Windshield Wipers When…

  1. There is streaking or hazing on your windshield during snow or rain
  2. They are making a loud or chattering noise, which indicates they are not working to clean the window smoothly
  3. The rubber on your windshield wipers is cracked or split or the metal arm is cracked or bent out of shape

Typically, windshield wipers need to be replaced every 6 months unless you are having any of the above issues before that time. Clean windshield wipers that are functioning properly are crucial for driving safely in any season.

If you are not sure about properly maintaining your vehicle properly for safety, consider taking an online traffic school and defensive driving course like the ones offered at the Traffic School by Improv Comedy Club. These helpful classes can be taken by drivers of any age to ensure you and your passengers are always safe & prepared for anything that might happen while driving. The experienced team at Traffic School by Improv Comedy Club knows that driver safety is no joking matter, so they offer a variety of online traffic school classes to ensure everyone can best the best driver possible…and have a little bit of fun while learning road safety.

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LED Headlights: Why It May Be Time to Upgrade Your Car’s Headlights https://www.myimprov.com/led-headlights-why-it-may-be-time-to-upgrade-your-cars-headlights/ https://www.myimprov.com/led-headlights-why-it-may-be-time-to-upgrade-your-cars-headlights/#respond Fri, 07 Dec 2018 20:37:44 +0000 https://www.myimprov.com/?p=45499 There are several good reasons you may want to consider making the switch to LED headlights for your vehicle, the most important is safety.…

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There are several good reasons you may want to consider making the switch to LED headlights for your vehicle, the most important is safety. The simple fact that LED headlights better light the road allowing you to see more clearly at night is a huge safety feature. Defensive driving and being aware of what is happening around you is key for accident free driving.

Even car manufacturers are beginning to see the advantages of LED headlights and are making the change from the less-efficient halogen bulb car headlights. In an effort to increase vehicle safety, the auto industry has begun using the best headlight bulbs available, which are LED headlights. They want to give drivers every advantage they can for safety and using the brightest headlights with LED headlight bulbs in their vehicles is a great place to start in an effort to improve driver safety.

If you don’t already have LED headlights in your vehicle, now is the time to upgrade. In addition to increasing safety while driving, there are many reasons to make the switch, including, a better overall driving experience. Other advantages of using LED headlights include the fact that they are now more affordable than ever for consumers, LED headlights offer more efficient lighting, do not require bulbs to be replaced, they last longer, and are less expensive to use.

Taking steps for the safety of yourself and your passengers begins with planning ahead to foresee any obvious issues that might cause an auto accident. Taking a defensive driving course at an online traffic school is a great way to learn more about the rules of the road and what you can do to be a better driver and avoid accidents. Sign up today for an online defensive driving class to avoid accidents and keep your insurance rates low.

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A How to Guide on Fixing Brakes https://www.myimprov.com/a-how-to-guide-on-fixing-brakes/ https://www.myimprov.com/a-how-to-guide-on-fixing-brakes/#respond Thu, 29 Nov 2018 19:13:57 +0000 https://www.myimprov.com/?p=45466 An important part of driving safely is making sure your car is always in tip-top shape. One major pointer for driver safety is to make sure the brakes of your…

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An important part of driving safely is making sure your car is always in tip-top shape. One major pointer for driver safety is to make sure the brakes of your car function properly. When you hear that tell-tale squeak when you hit the pedal, you know it’s time to consider fixing brakes on your ride.

Why Do Brakes Squeak?

Brake squeaking is a common warning sign that you might want to consider fixing brakes on your vehicle. This annoying and potentially dangerous squeaking can be caused by a variety of conditions including:

  • Worn brake pads
  • Glazed brake pads and rotors
  • Damaged anti-rattle clips or shims
  • No pad insulation
  • Faulty or no rotor surface cut

Fixing Brakes That Squeak

Fixing brakes that squeak can be an easy fix in most cases. Here are a few ways to end the squeaking and ensure your vehicle is driving safely:

  • Change the Pads – Changing the pads to ones made from a different type of friction material such as ceramic or metallic pads can stop the noise.
  • Spray the Pads – A quick spray of a simple aerosol, which is sold at most auto parts stores, can reduce squeaking by spraying it on the brake pad’s friction material.
  • Add a Shim – Adding some Teflon shims to decouple the piston from the pad can stop squeaking brakes. Be sure to place the shim between the brake pad and the caliper’s hydraulic piston to be effective.
  • Make Some Adjustments – Coating the back of the brake pad’s backing plates with brake grease will give a quick but temporary fix, as it will wash away eventually due to rain and road dirt.

Driver Safety and Defensive Driving at Traffic School

If driving safely is a priority for you, consider a driver safety class at an accredited online traffic school. Take advantage of our free express registration and get going in less than one minute. Get started with your defensive driving course today!

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What is the best way to defog windows of your car? https://www.myimprov.com/fighting-foggy-windows-car/ https://www.myimprov.com/fighting-foggy-windows-car/#comments Thu, 11 Oct 2018 05:23:07 +0000 http://www.myimprov.com/?p=30709 Drivers need to know how to handle many situation before they lead to trouble – from driving on ice to handling their vehicle correctly during a slid. Even the most…

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fighting fog

Drivers need to know how to handle many situation before they lead to trouble – from driving on ice to handling their vehicle correctly during a slid. Even the most mundane issue can cause dangerous conditions. A car with foggy windows may not seem very serious, but it can easily cause a life threatening accident.

No matter what type of climate you live in, you will have to worry about foggy windows. In warm climates or cold climates, foggy windows can make it difficult to see and dangerous to drive. Learning how to deal with this problem will make you a safer driver.

What causes condensation on windows, and why do they become foggy?

Foggy windows are the result of two factors: temperature and the air’s moisture content. When it is cold outside and you turn on your heater, you are creating an environment encouraging foggy windows. Any warm moisture from inside the car which comes in contact with the cold glass, will cause condensation and fog your windows. If the outside air is hot, and you turn on the AC, you have the opposite situation. The hot outside air meets your cooler windows resulting in fog.

The causes are different, but the result is the same – blurry windows and hazardous driving. The next time you have foggy windows, try the following methods of clearing your windows.

How do I clear foggy windows when it’s cold outside?

The best way to prevent fog from forming on your windows is to use a product specially designed to help eliminate the problem Car dealerships and hardware stores often sell these defoggers and the staff can help you choose the right one for your car. Simply apply these solutions to your interior windows before there are any problems, and you won’t have to worry about blurry windows this winter.

If you did not plan ahead, there are some quick fixes to this problem.

  • Turn off your heat. Since it is your heater which is causing the problem, simply turn it off. This will help to equalize the temperature inside and outside of your car. You may even want to roll down your window a few inches defog your windows quicker.
  • Turn off your car’s recirculating air feature.Some cars’ ventilation systems have the ability to recirculate air from inside the car. This will make foggy windows worse. By turning off the recirculating feature, your car will pull in the drier outside air which helps to eliminate the moisture level inside your vehicle and reduces condensation.
  • Turn on your front defrost vent and rear-window defroster. This can help, especially if you turn on the A/C to low. You may feel cold, but being cold is much better than not being able to see where you are going.

How do I clear foggy windows when it’s hot outside?

Unlike foggy windows caused by cold weather, hot weather fog forms on the outside of the car’s windows. There are some simple fixes to this problem.

  • Turn on your windshield wipers. Simply by turning on your front a rear-window wipers, you can wipe away the condensation and see much clearer. While this tip helps you to see out the front and rear windows, it does not eliminate the problem from side windows.
  • Lower your A/C, or turn it off completely. Increasing the temperature in your car balances the temperature difference between the inside of your car and the outside air temperature. This will stop condensation from forming. You are usually able to prevent condensation without turning off your A/C completely.
  • Keep your recirculating air feature off. Again, turning off your air recirculation will help correct the problem.

Whether your foggy windows are due to hot or cold weather, fixing the problem will make you a safer driver. Being safe while being on the road is the responsibility of every driver.

Poor visibility from foggy windows is just one of the many weather-related issues drivers need to know how to handle. Becoming educated in safer all-weather driving can make you more confident when you are behind the wheel. It is a good idea for all drivers to learn how to be safer in bad weather. Taking a traffic school course focusing on driving in adverse conditions is a wonderful step in becoming a better driver.

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Autonomous Vehicle Day https://www.myimprov.com/autonomous-vehicle-day/ https://www.myimprov.com/autonomous-vehicle-day/#respond Thu, 31 May 2018 17:36:59 +0000 https://www.myimprov.com/?p=43578 01111001 01100001 01111001! In case you can’t read binary, that’s computer talk for “yay!” The reason why we’re excited about today is because it’s Autonomous Vehicle Day. The one day every year where we celebrate our…

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online traffic school

01111001 01100001 01111001! In case you can’t read binary, that’s computer talk for “yay!” The reason why we’re excited about today is because it’s Autonomous Vehicle Day. The one day every year where we celebrate our computer overlords – uhm – drivers. With the rising publicity and manufacturing of autonomous cars, this year was a great stride forward for the industry. The popularity of self-driving vehicles is at an all-time high, thanks to their consumer accessibility.

When there’s a holiday, there’s a celebration. You might not be familiar with the traditions behind Autonomous Vehicle Day, so we’re showing you the best ways to celebrate our robot chauffeurs. Here are the best ways to show your autonomous pride.

Dust the interior of your car

If you have an autonomous car, make sure you dust the interior of it. Dust slows down computers. When it builds up, it can ruin systems no matter how well they’re built. Your autonomous vehicle might be different, but any reason to clean up the filthy interior of your car is a good one. Grab that duster, buster.


Write a “thank you” card in binary

It’s your autonomous car’s day. Therefore, you should tell it how you REALLY feel, with a handwritten card in binary. Your autonomous car can only understand numbers, so use the nearest binary translator to let your heart ooze with feelings.


Take your autonomous vehicle out for dinner


Tonight, treat your self-driving car well with a delicious dinner. For you, a salivating, seared steak dinner with a side of asparagus and fine potatoes. For your car, a quick oil change. That’s the autonomous vehicle equivalent to sautéed salmon.


Buy it a gift


Autonomous vehicles may be computers, but they still like to receive gifts. One present you can provide your car, this year, is something digital to go along with its computations. Since self-driving cars are computers that drive, it might make use of online traffic school.


Learn how to program the concept of love

A task that has plagued scientist, programmers, and ethics theorists is the process of computers comprehending the idea of love. Moreover, you might have expressed your love for your self-driving car without any reciprocal feelings. Learning how to program the concept of love will finally show your autonomous car how you feel.


Print off pictures of autonomous cars to longingly stare at

There’s other ways to celebrate Autonomous Vehicle Day, if you don’t have access to a self-driving car. One way of doing this is to print off pictures of autonomous cars, then daydream which one is your favorite. You can even line your walls with the photos, in case you want people to think you lost your mind.


Buy a Roomba

If you don’t have the funds to purchase one, then buy the next best thing: a Roomba. It’s like a self-driving car, except it’s a small circular computer that cleans your floor. In fact, the best way to celebrate is to do yourself the favor of never cleaning your home again. Your Roomba will also help keep you company!


Spread the word

The easiest way to celebrate Autonomous Vehicle Day is to snap a photo of a self-driving car, then post it to your social media accounts with #AutonomousVehicleDay. That’s the official hashtag being used to celebrate. You should join in with the thousands of people who are partaking in the day. Let everyone know how much you enjoy autonomous vehicles.

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Which States Don’t Allow You to Pump Your Own Gas https://www.myimprov.com/states-dont-allow-pump-gas/ https://www.myimprov.com/states-dont-allow-pump-gas/#respond Mon, 26 Mar 2018 22:52:52 +0000 https://www.myimprov.com/?p=41357 The subtle art of being ridiculously lazy is challenging for some people. Not for you, because you have dedicated your life to being comatose.…

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Senior businessman sipping fuel into his car tank at the gas station.

The subtle art of being ridiculously lazy is challenging for some people. Not for you, because you have dedicated your life to being comatose. You’re not one of those normal functioning people. That’s why you can’t be bothered to perform mundane tasks. But, there’s just some responsibilities you can’t escape – like pumping your own gas.

Why can’t you live in a state where people do work for you? How can you be lazy, if you don’t have the cornerstone of all laziness? Why do YOU have to pump YOUR gas? These are questions that any logical – and lethargic – person would ask themselves. That’s why we’ve compiled the most extensive list of states and cities that will pump your gas for you. These are the last remaining U.S. locations that understand your mission to be carelessly lackadaisical.

New Jersey

Asbury Park is a beachfront city in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States, located on the Jersey Shore.

Also known as the “mecca of full service gas retailers,” New Jersey is most notably recognized for having gas station pump attendants. In 1949, congress passed a statute titled the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act, which prohibited gas retail customers from pumping their own gas. To this day, New Jersey is the lone state that maintains this law, and requires a professional to pump your car’s gasoline.

When you’re caught violating this law, you could experience some pricey consequences. People who break the 1949 statute will be fined $50 to $250, and up to $500 for any proceeding offenses. If you thought gas prices were expensive, then you haven’t been caught pumping your own gas in New Jersey. There is good news for New Jersey drivers! You can save a lot of money, hundreds each year, on car insurance by taking a NJ Defensive Driving course!


Oregon

Beautiful shot of the Oregon coast

An honorable mention should be given to the ex-lazy state of Oregon. Recently, Oregon passed a law that gives customers the right to pump their own gas. This is bad news for the state’s professionally exhausted people. If you wanted to do actual work, you wouldn’t have taken online traffic school courses, or bought that text to speech converter so you could listen instead of reading this article.

Despite these challenging times, there’s an apathetic light at the end of the tunnel. The law only takes effect on counties with population less than 40,000 residents. In other words, densely populated regions of the state will still have their full-service pumps. This means Portland will become the west coast home for all lazy drivers. For the un-lazy, you can take a quick and easy OR Auto Insurance discount course.


Huntington, New York

"Exterior view of Huntington Harbor Lighthouse, New York. Viewed from a boat."

Just like a pond of freshwater in a scathing desert wasteland, Huntington, New York is a lazy oasis in the bustling state of New York. Huntington escaped the thwarting grasps of responsibility and allows full-service gas retailers in the city. The reason why this old law is still around is a bit foggy, but we know the real reason. The city is just a proponent of putting in the least amount of effort as possible.

During the 1980’s, fire safety became a major concern for the Huntington Fire Department. Pumping your own gasoline was believed to be a fire hazard. Therefore, not long after, Huntington passed a city-wide regulation that would require gas retailers to offer full-service pumps. Any driver who is caught fueling their own vehicle would experience the repercussions of heavy fine payments. It doesn’t matter what NY city you live in to take advantage of the mandated 3-year savings you’ll receive when completing a NY Defensive Driving Course. Check it out now.

Whether you’re living in the west coast or the east coast, there’s plenty of opportunity to exert your laziness. If these states or cities aren’t nearby, then consider hiring your own personal gas station attendant, because being lazy is an often-overlooked bliss.

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Top Auto Shops in Houston, Texas https://www.myimprov.com/top-auto-shops-in-houston-texas/ https://www.myimprov.com/top-auto-shops-in-houston-texas/#respond Thu, 09 Nov 2017 23:38:37 +0000 https://www.myimprov.com/?p=40152 It is only a matter of time. No matter how well you take care of your vehicle, you will need to get a repair or maintenance done on it at…

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It is only a matter of time. No matter how well you take care of your vehicle, you will need to get a repair or maintenance done on it at some point or another. It is one of the only things you can really rely on when it comes to your vehicle. However, you also need to have a reliable auto shop that you can go to when you need it. You do not want to go just anywhere and not know if they will really take care of you and your vehicle. When you need somewhere to go in Houston, Texas, make sure you go to one of these top auto shops.

JJ Auto Body

Located in Houston, JJ Auto Body is one of the most trusted auto body shops in the area. They even offer online estimates so you can get a good idea of what a repair would cost without even coming in. When needed, they even have a wrecker service to get your vehicle to the shop for repair. They focus on high quality work as well as customer service, so you get the best available in all areas.

Midtown Auto Service

Located in the midtown area, Midtown Auto Service provides a lot of services for auto owners. They have been serving the Houston area since 1987 and are one of the most well-known shops in the area. They even are recognized as a Recognized Auto Repair and Emissions Repair Facility by the State of Texas.

Yale Automotive

You can always trust Yale Automotive to not only provide you with an honest assessment for your vehicle repair but also for a reputable company within the community. They are involved in many community service projects and will only recommend repairs for your vehicle that you actually need. They offer preventative care as well as repair services, so they can take care of your vehicle no matter what you need.

RMS Auto Care

Located in Houston, RMS Auto Car specializes in auto repair as well as collision repair. They have a BBB rating of A+ as well as a lot of other awards in the community. They offer a 3 year and/or 36,000-mile warranty on all repairs that they do in the shop which is better than you will find in the area and may be a huge selling point for vehicle owners.

Hare Repair

Located in the Uptown area of Houston, Hare Repair focuses on getting the job done as quickly as possible while saving you as much money as possible. They are great at recommending cheaper ways to repair a vehicle while still maintaining quality service and repairs. You can trust that they are a simple and honest auto repair shop.

Montrose Automotive Center

Located in the museum district of Houston, Montrose Automotive Center has been operating in the area for more than 35 years. They not only offer auto repair but also tire services, including replacement. They are also a AAA auto repair facility, so you can get even more of a discount as a AAA member. They promise the highest quality repair to keep your vehicle running longer.

Knowing where to go when you need a repair is an important thing, but you also want to be able to avoid any unnecessary repairs, if possible. This means you need to practice defensive driving in Houston. Being safe while on the roads can help you avoid accidents and repairs as a result. To help with driving defensively, be sure to take our online driving safety course.

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Top Three TN Auto Repair Shops https://www.myimprov.com/top-three-tn-auto-repair-shops/ https://www.myimprov.com/top-three-tn-auto-repair-shops/#respond Thu, 02 Nov 2017 23:59:19 +0000 https://www.myimprov.com/?p=40121 With all the rolling hills, sharp bends, rocky terrain, and four mega-cities, Tennessee presents a challenge for both drivers and their cars. But never fear, because the Volunteer State has…

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With all the rolling hills, sharp bends, rocky terrain, and four mega-cities, Tennessee presents a challenge for both drivers and their cars. But never fear, because the Volunteer State has more than its share of auto mechanics in almost every nook and cranny of every town large and small throughout the land. While there are several auto repair shops to choose from in any direction, some service centers rise to the top. We explore three repair shops that you can count on when defensive driving in TN isn’t enough to keep you out of a collision.

Lawson & Son Auto Repair Nashville, TN

Head down Harding Pike in Belle Meade on the west side of Nashville, and you’ll run right into Lawson & Son Auto Repair. Like many other garages, L & S is a classic TN auto hole in the wall. There’s nothing special about the place from the street view. Step inside, however, and you’ll quickly find that the service crew offers bona fide fast, friendly service and dependable work.

Their reputation precedes them as an honest and reasonably priced establishment that is on point with their repair inspections and estimates. According to their most loyal customers, you won’t find anybody better in all of Davidson County.

Downtown Automotive Chattanooga, TN

As you drive East into the Smoky Mountains, you’ll eventually end up in Chattanooga. Tennessee’s fourth largest city is notorious for its dangerous interstates that wind around lakes and wriggles through the mountainscape. The steep grades cause collisions, transmission breakdowns, and engine overheats.

Thankfully, Downtown Automotive has an experienced team of mechanics that can get you back on the Interstate in no time. Like many of Tennessee’s most reputable service centers, Downtown Automotive is locally owned and has been around long enough to earn the title of institution. If you’re stranded on the side of the road, they’ll send their very own tow truck to rescue you, and then bring your car to the garage to fix it. These guys are as knowledgeable as they are friendly. All Domestic and import vehicles are welcome!!

Pashby’s Automotive Memphis, TN

Meanwhile, in Memphis, Tennessee, Pashby’s Automotive is more than happy to fix your broken car. The family-owned auto repair shop is the most decorated business in Memphis. They were recently awarded the 2017 Reader’s Choice Award and voted Best Repair Shop in the Bartlett suburb area. While more modern (and clean) looking than the other two garages on this list, don’t let the advanced equipment and recently-filled coffee maker fool you. These guys have personalized service down to a science – just like their repairs. They offer a wide range of services such as engine and transmission repair, battery, headlights, and brake services, oil changes, electrical work, and alignment and suspension service. If you’re in Memphis and your car has blues, then take it to Pashby’s Automotive. Afterward, go to downtown Memphis and treat yourself to some baby back ribs.

Before you take your car to just any TN auto shop, go online and read Google, Yelp, and YP reviews, get referrals and find out all the facts about a service center. Doing so can save you time, money, and put you in the hands of the right mechanic. If you can find a reputable local mechanic, that’s the best way to go. You’ll find that they are honest, personable, hard-working, and willing to go the extra mile so that you are 100% satisfied.

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How to Get Scammed Buying a Car on San Jose or SF Craigslist https://www.myimprov.com/get-scammed-buying-car-san-jose-sf-craigslist/ https://www.myimprov.com/get-scammed-buying-car-san-jose-sf-craigslist/#respond Mon, 09 Oct 2017 22:29:14 +0000 https://www.myimprov.com/?p=39966 For those who are wary of finding and buying a car found on Craigslist, San Jose Craigslist or SF Craigslist, do not worry. Simply check out this blog by MyImprov which details what not to do to avoid being scammed on the popular websites.

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ca traffic school scammed buying a car

When you’re looking for a convenient way to buy a car without having to deal with pushy car salesmen or dealerships, turning to San Jose or SF Craigslist is a good option. Going through these online classifieds is also a fantastic way to get scammed when buying a car. Also, if you recently received a traffic ticket in California, a fantastic way to stop the points from going on your record is to take a CA online traffic school. The following tips are all that’s needed to end up falling for a scam when you search for Craigslist cars.

Jump at Lower Prices

Everyone wants the best deal possible on a car, so why not go for one that lists an insanely low price? Before patting yourself on the back for finding such a good deal on Craigslist cars trucks for sale, keep in mind that prices that seem too good to be true usually are.


Don’t Pay Too Much Attention to Photos

It’s the details and price listed in the Craigslist San Jose or SF ad that really counts, right? Sure, but you might end up wondering why the car in the photo looks nothing like the one you’re seeing in person. Now that you think of it, it might seem a bit odd that the supposedly local photo in the ad also had snowy peaks or another not-so-local background.


Appreciate a Good Story

Isn’t it nice that the seller launches into a story about why they’re selling the car instead of listing the details? While this might be more entertaining to read than a bullet list of details, there’s usually a reason why they haven’t included specific details about the car for sale.


Skip the Inspection

Once you’ve scoured the Craigslist SF Bay area postings for cars and narrowed it down to the one you really want, why put off buying it as soon as you can? Having it inspected could reveal that the car has some questionable issues or needs certain repairs, but that would mean having to wait longer to make your purchase.


Let the Seller Choose a Mechanic

So, you’ve decided to get an inspection after all before buying your new car, and the seller offers to pick the mechanic for it. As helpful as this seems, don’t be surprised if the seller’s mechanic conveniently failed to note problems with your new car that you’ll now have to fix.


Don’t Get Everything in Writing

Although you’re relying on the internet to find Craigslist SF cars, you’ll likely be chatting with the seller on the phone or in person. The seller comes across as friendly and honest enough, so you don’t really need to get all the details of your purchase in writing, right? This makes things more convenient as long as you don’t mind taking the risk of not having paperwork to back you up if there are any disputes over your purchase.


Don’t Check the Title

Since the seller from SF Bay Craigslist seems trustworthy to you, you don’t really need to bother checking the title and making sure it’s clean. This would mean having to look it up through the DMV and run a report on the VIN number. If you don’t mind running into complications and headaches getting the new car in your name, you can go right ahead and skip this part.


Forget the Test Drive

You’re so eager to take off with your new car from San Jose Craigslist that you just want to pay for it and be done. This is a clever way to save time and a quick way to discover that your freshly purchased vehicle doesn’t run as smoothly as the seller promised.

If you need to improve your driving record before getting that new car, attending an online traffic school can help. Contact us for more information on our CA traffic school before starting your Craigslist car search.

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Cargurus, Carfax or Cars.com https://www.myimprov.com/cargurus-carfax-or-cars-com/ https://www.myimprov.com/cargurus-carfax-or-cars-com/#respond Mon, 02 Oct 2017 18:46:17 +0000 https://www.myimprov.com/?p=39945 The search for the perfect vehicle is certainly draining. There are all sorts of factors to consider from cost to mileage, features, prior accidents and so on. Thankfully, there are…

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The search for the perfect vehicle is certainly draining. There are all sorts of factors to consider from cost to mileage, features, prior accidents and so on. Thankfully, there are plenty of helpful car research services available to make this process that much easier. Let’s look at three of the best resources that will help you find the right vehicle.

CarGurus

CarGurus was launched by some of the web’s leading executives. High-level execs from Edmunds.com, TripAdvisor and Expedia make up the popular service’s management and board. CarGurus has quickly emerged as one of the most revered automotive shopping sites in the world. CarGurus analyzes millions of vehicle listings through a proprietary valuation model to gauge each vehicle’s Instant Market Value.

This value is obtained by weighing an array of variables that impact vehicle value ranging from vehicle trim, model and make to mileage, condition, options and so on. These variables are used in combination with comparables in the shopper’s local market to determine the Instant Market Value for every single vehicle in the service’s inventory.

Go ahead and search for a vehicle on CarGurus’ site and you will obtain a ranking of matching listings according to savings relative to the Instant Market Value. Vehicles priced with the most customer savings rank the highest in the search results. This is one of the quickest ways to find the best local automobile deals. Rest easy, as there isn’t any subjective bias influencing the search results. CarGurus provides a quick, transparent and fair way to connect auto-seekers with dealers. The website can even help vehicle sellers pinpoint the best price for their vehicle and connect with interested buyers.

Carfax

Just about everyone who is interested in a used vehicle considers obtaining documentation of its history. If the vehicle has been involved in an accident, the prospective buyer deserves to know. This is precisely why Carfax exists. The popular service provides accurate vehicle history information. Carfax taps into 76,000 information sources to determine whether vehicles up for sale have been involved in an accident. Though Carfax admits its records do not always contain the full history of a vehicle, the company’s results are fairly accurate. Information is culled from motor vehicle departments, police departments, auctions and beyond.

All in all, Carfax has 12 billion vehicle records. More than three million records are added daily thanks to the efforts of Carfax’s data-gathering team. Each vehicle’s report is drawn from a national database in mere seconds. Auto buyers should not hesitate to obtain the Carfax vehicle history report but understand it is not completely foolproof. There is always the possibility the vehicle in question has endured damage in a prior accident that was never reported (to anyone) or simply not reported to one of Carfax’s specific information sources.

Cars.com

Cars.com is a popular automotive site based in Chicago. This is an online destination for auto shoppers to sort through new, used and certified used vehicles. The purpose of the site is to facilitate the vehicle search process by providing buyers with information and tools. Whether you are looking for expert auto reviews, detailed research tools or a vast selection, you will find it on Cars.com.

Buyers can search for local and national databases of vehicles for sale. The site lets buyers compare vehicles side-by-side, estimate monthly payments and learn from a quick-start auto-buying guide. Cars.com also helps buyers pinpoint the best financing offers and rebates available in their area. Everyone in the market for a new or used vehicle should spend at least half an hour on Cars.com. Even if you don’t find the vehicle you are looking for, you are guaranteed to learn something during the time you spend on this informative website.

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