Cars on Contract

When a tyre goes flat on their car, people not familiar with how to change a tyre may have the urge to panic, but for those who know how to change their own tyres the task is not too daunting. The way to change a car tyre is described below.

The first step in this process is to park the car in an area that is away from traffic, and not too slippery. Once this is done, the person doing the job can put blocks around the tyre that is the opposite diagonally of the tyre being changed. If the tyre has a centre cap or cover it should be removed while the tyre is still on the ground. The wheel nuts should also be loosened a half turn with a wheel wrench at this point. 

The car can now be jacked up. If possible, only the jack that came with the car should be used for this job, as using a different one may damage the jack or car. The jack handle must be turned clockwise until the tyre being changed is off the ground. The wheel nuts can be completely removed at this point, and then the tyre being replaced can come off.

When the old tyre is removed, the person doing the job can clean the mounting surface and then mount the replacement tyre. Once the wheel bolts are put on the replacement tyre and the car is lowered down on the jack, the job is complete.

Many car owners ignore their warning lights when they come on, thinking that they do not need to address the issue or issues right away. Even the most experienced car people will occasionally ignore the warning lights, so you should not feel foolish if you do. You should, however, make sure that you do not do it again.

Not all warning lights require immediate attention but just because some can be dealt with later, it does not mean that all of them can. Modern cars, with their wide range of electronic systems, such as stability controls and airbags, constantly test themselves, looking for problems and flaws.

Familiarise yourself with your car’s manual, so that you know which lights require immediate attention from your garage or dealer. Many lights can be specific to the individual car or model and if you are in any doubt, you should stop your journey as soon as possible and deal with the problem.

Part of any owner’s regular car service is making sure the upholstery is kept clean and protected. The process calls for addressing any stains or spills as soon as possible, using products that are formulated especially for that particular type of upholstery.

Determining what type of products to use involves considering the nature of the upholstery. What works on leather or vinyl upholstery may or may not be appropriate for cloth upholstery, and vice versa. Choose cleaning products designed for use with the upholstery and the chances of damaging the material are greatly diminished.

Always follow the usage instructions that come with the upholstery cleaners. Don’t allow them to set too long on a stain or use the wrong type of brush or cloth during the cleaning. Most manufacturers provide specific instructions on how to go about applying the cleaner, the amount of time to leave it in place, and how to remove it without harming the material. By taking a little time to use the products properly, the upholstery can look great for many years to come.

When the time comes to move on to a new and improved car, the question of car valuation is bound to come up.  Unless you plan on outright scrapping the car, or handing it on to a friend or relative free of charge, some money will have to change hands before you let go of your car to its new owner. 

Being able to set a good price is the hallmark of the seasoned seller, but that doesn’t mean that ordinary people have to put up with simple guesswork.  Being able to value your car correctly means that you will have a good balance between buyer interest and bargaining power, so you will be able to sell the car quickly without resorting to very low prices that make you lose out on money that could be spent on the next car.

With the internet, there is no excuse to not be able to set a good price for your used car.  The internet opens up a wealth of information for potential sellers, as well as buyers.  Browsing car dealer sites as well as taking advantage of car valuation sites will allow a rapid assessment of your car’s true value. 

Don’t forget that car buyers have access to all of the same valuation resources that you do.  When you think “I’d like to get an Audi A3 value” or any other car, remember that buyers will be aware of what a fair price is too, so interest will be low if you choose to price high.

The used car market is large in the UK, and there are a large number of people looking for a bargain at any one time.  This means that depreciation does occur as people are of course looking for the lowest prices, but it also means that sellers have a certain amount of leverage.  For owners of VW cars, there is even more leverage – VW is a respected brand around the world, with a strong reputation for build quality and reliability.  VW owners will find that their car holds its value better than many other makers cars, so more money can go towards the next car.  Owners might be surprised to find that when they wonder “what’s my Volkswagen worth,” the amount may be higher than they thought.

The best way to sell a car these days is using online methods – the more people you can reach with your advertisement, the better chance you have of making a favourable deal, and the internet will help to reach more people than a local advertisement.  There are a few choices for selling online.  The first and easiest is to go through a car dealer, similarly to using a traditional dealership, many dealers sell used cars online these days.  This gets the car off your hands the quickest, though it does mean the dealer takes a small cut of the price.  An auction is another way to quickly sell a car – most have a time limit, so you know that at the end it is very likely several competing buyers will have stepped in.  Auctions lead to very fair prices.

Professional servicing is essential for any vehicle. During a standard 12,000 mile service (approx 12 months), the following should be expected to be included in the car service:

•    Drain engine oil and replace.
•    Change oil filter.
•    Change air filter.
•    Check timing belt and advise if replacement is required.
•    Check radiator and radiator cap.
•    Check coolant auxiliaries e.g. hoses, clips etc.
•    Check fan, alternator and drive belts.
•    Check clutch for abnormalities and adjust.
•    Check drive shaft and propshaft.
•    Check all lights.
•    Check horn.
•    Check heater.
•    Check battery, steering, steering rack and suspension. Lubricate where necessary.
•    Check exhaust emissions and record.
•    Check handbrake, brake pads, brake discs and brake callipers.
•    Check hydraulics.
•    Check wheel cylinders.
•    Check tyres, condition, tread and pressure.
•    Reset wheel nut torque to manufacturer’s recommended setting if required.
•    Check wheel balance.
•    Check and top up all fluids.

By having this service carried out every year, drivers are ensuring their own safety and the longevity of the vehicle, as well as helping it to retain value.

What would I have to do if I wanted to sell my Nissan?  Follow some simple selling rules to ensure the best price in the current market.  First of all ask the question, who are you selling your Nissan to?  This may be a private buyer, a car dealership, or you might even be considering selling your Nissan for scrap.  Whatever you choose, the basic rules still apply.  Check out price comparison websites to see realistic prices for second hand or used Nissans, as these popular cars can often offer outstanding value for buyers.  Alternatively, take your car to a dealership or find an online Nissan dealer who will be able to give you the best price. 

Always start by offering your Nissan to the market in pristine condition, making sure it is spotlessly clean and devoid of personal effects.  Up to date paperwork is always a must, and be sure to include a service book detailing your Nissan’s service history if you have one.  Be truthful in adverts about the condition of the car, and do not make false claims to buyers.  Once you have ascertained an estimate to sell your Nissan for, be prepared to haggle with buyers if necessary, especially if the buyer is paying by cash for cars.  This will almost certainly gain you a quicker sale than if you rely on a fixed price.  Nissans represent an efficient and cost-effective choice in the used car market, so make sure your Nissan is presented at its best to make your sale.

If you have your car serviced regularly you will be helping to maintain its roadworthiness and resale value. It will also make your car more efficient, which might save you money as well as improving your safety when driving.

Do not try to service your car yourself unless you are an experienced mechanic, as you could jeopardise your family’s safety and possibly invalidate your warranty. Modern cars rely on on-board computers so you are unlikely to have the right equipment to service your car at home. 

There are three kinds of car service; oil change, interim service and full service.

Oil Service

An oil service is optional and is sometimes carried out between main services. It should include a change of oil and oil filter, checks on tyres, battery, windscreen wipers and lights and topping up of brake fluid, power steering and washer fluid.

Interim Service

Depending on the car manufacturer’s recommendations, an interim car service should be carried out about every 6,000 miles or every six months.

Full Service

A full car service should be carried out at around 12,000 miles or at 12-months, whichever is sooner. The full service may reveal problems that can be repaired before they get worse and will save you money in the long run.

Volkswagen cars are perennially popular and there is a thriving market in used Volkswagens.  Therefore., if you are wondering “how do I sell my Volkswagen?” you should bear in mind that to achieve the most from your sale you should follow some essential rules of selling.  A crucial factor is to get your Volkswagen correctly valued, as it would be a mistake to pitch it too high or undersell it.  Next, you need to decide the method of sale for your Volkswagen; this could be to a private buyer via the classified ads, or to an approved car dealership who may offer you a part exchange on your Volkswagen.  Another alternative is to sell your Volkswagen at auction, or even listed on an online site such as EBay. 

Volkswagen Golfs and Polos are cheap and always popular with buyers, but do not forget the classic car market if you have an older model Volkswagen Beetle to sell.  The market is huge for these iconic and much loved cars, and an online search for VW Beetles will show you how to price accurately your Volkswagen for sale.  Similarly, a modern Volkswagen Beetle, especially a convertible model from within the last two or three years, can command a high cash for cars price.  Simple things to remember when advertising you Volkswagen are to list the model, age and condition, and include any crucial detailing about mileage and service history.  Ideally, present potential buyers with a full service book when selling your Volkswagen to demonstrate your claims are accurate.

All cars on the road in the UK must have regular MOT tests to prove they meet the legal standards of road safety. A whole range of tests are carried out, starting from when the car is three years old. When the test is done the car receives an MOT certificate to prove it was road worthy and met the environmental standards required of it at the time the test was conducted. The MOT does not include checking the engine, clutch or gearbox but is none the less extensive. The parts of the car that are tested include:
 
•    The car’s structure – Checked for corrosion, damage in key structural areas and any sharp edges that might cause injury.

•    The fuel system – Cars are checked for leaks and that the fuel cap is operational.

•    Exhaust systems – Must be secure, whole, free from serious leeks and the emissions from the car’s exhaust must meet the legal requirements (which vary depending on age and fuel type).

•    Seats – Front seats must be secure and all seats must be securable in an upright position. All compulsory seatbelts must be fully operational and in reasonable condition.

•    The doors – Front doors must open from the inside and outside and all doors must shut and lock properly.

•    Mirrors – All compulsory mirrors must be present and in good condition.

•    The boot – Boot must close and lock securely.

•    The brakes – The car’s brakes must be fully operational and pass an efficiency test.

•    Wheels and tyres – Must be in good condition with enough tread depth and be the correct size and type.

•    Registration plates – Must be clearly legible and secured correctly to the vehicle.

•    Lights – All lights must work properly and headlamps are also checked for aim.

•    The car’s bonnet – Must shut securely.

•    The windscreen – Must allow for an unobstructed view of the road and be in good condition generally. The wipers and washers must work well enough to give the driver a clear view.

•    The horn – Must be a suitable type and work correctly.

•    Steering and suspension – Must be fully operational.

•    Vehicle identification number (VIN) – Any vehicle made after 1980 must have a VIN.