Water and metal are natural enemies. A car’s finish lastly longer and so does its freshly washed look when waterless washing are employed.  While it may be awhile before there is a waterless carwash on every corner, the trend has started albeit in a small way.  Entrepreneur Muhammad Anas has opened such a carwash according to a news report from Lahore, Pakistan and it is only a matter of time before it comes to the UK.

Conservationists will certainly pull for avoiding the wasting of water on cars while car enthusiasts whose fanatic concern for their car’s finish can border on the insane may embrace it as well.  Those concerned with high water bills may give it a second thought.  However, those who view larking about with a garden hose on a sunny day, in a quest to wash away winter grime, a tradition will not be so easily convinced.

Leather seats are some of the most desirable thanks to their soft texture and ease of cleaning. Drying can be a major problem for real leather if regular soap is used for cleaning. Always use proper leather cleaner products to remove stains and dirt, as soap can cause drying. Use leather protectant that will keep the material nice and supple for many years. Similarly, for fabric upholstery use a spray to make future dirt easier to remove. However, make sure upholstery is clean before applying treatments.

One odd tip is to make sure your key chains aren’t too heavy. During driving, the keys are hanging from the ignition and though they may not seem heavy, if they are hanging and swinging about for a long time that does cause some wear and tear on the fittings. So, before you drive make sure you are not carrying more than you need on your car-key chain.

Not all insurance is created equal. Though many insurers compete strongly for price, when it comes down to actually making a claim you need an insurer that will follow through with the spirit of the agreement and not attempt to wriggle out of providing you good service. Read plenty of online reviews and remember that service is worth paying for, as it will result in a car that can be properly fixed when things go wrong.

If the vehicle being considered is less than three years old, it does not need an MOT certificate.  Any car three years old or older has to have this certificate by law.  The MOT certificate provides evidence that the vehicle has met minimum road safety and environmental standards, though only at the time the test is taken.

Used cars that require an MOT will be on a central database where a record of their MOT tests are entered, and in order to get a road tax disc for the car it will have to be on the database.  Garages that are registered as MOT testing centres can be identified by a symbol of three white triangles set against a blue background.  If the car passes the test it will be entered into the database.  If it fails, it should be retested at the same place.  Reasons for failing the test will be given and any repair work necessary can be done.

Buying a used car from a reputable car dealer ensures that the vehicle will be in good condition and any legal requirements for it to be driven on the roads are met.  The exception is insurance, which is the responsibility of the motorist.  A used car will normally have a current tax disc in place so once insurance is in place the vehicle can be driven away from the forecourt or showroom.

It is quite possible that an overlap between drivers’ regular car insurance and extra insurance a rental company may press upon them could occur.  Car hire firms in the US are notorious for attempting to force upon travel weary Brits some unnecessary insurance coverage.  Before hiring a car for holiday or business travel, check with your own car insurance company to determine to what extent they are covering you. Next check www.dailyexcess.com for insurance costing £4.75 a day to protect from excess car insurance charges levied abroad.

In addition to insurance charges, many travellers do not realize the expenses they may occur when they return their hired car with less than a full tank of fuel.  It is in the small print; hired cars must be returned with a full tank of fuel or drivers will be charged for the petrol the hiring firm must add.  Rest assured when the hiring company adds fuel you pay a premium price; making that cheap automatic hire not so cheap after all.  Save money and keep your eyes open when driving the rental, if possible buy fuel well away from airports.  Stations located near airports know drivers of hired cars need to refill their tanks and they inflate their prices accordingly.  Those stations are still cheaper than paying the car company to refill however.

Whilst some specialist dealers offer a top-notch car service, all of the little tweaks and various realignments cost money. Sometimes a basic service is all that is required.

Taking your car to a non-specialist dealer or garage may result in difficulties. The mechanic may be unable to fix certain problems that are identifiable with the car’s brand or lack the necessary part to fix your vehicle, which will cause delays. Ultimately, the car repairs made will affect the service history and can alter the value of the car while possibly invalidating the warranty.

The following basic routine upkeep can go a long way to reducing car maintenance bills. Before a long journey, check the air pressure in your tyres. The specifications for your particular vehicle should be listed in the owner’s manual. Make sure to check the headlights and the engine oil level. Also check the screen wash, coolant and brake fluid levels, and make sure that the windscreen wipers are functioning correctly, particularly in winter. Performing these simple checks on a regular basis can prolong the life of your car.

Just as we all need a holiday from our lives and our houses, it is nice to have one from our cars as well. Spending a week or two not hearing the funny sounds the old car makes is almost worth the cost of the hire.   A hired car will most likely be newer and, if you are in the market, your holiday can double as a long test drive.  You can choose from relaxing automatic cars or the more fuel-efficient standard transmission. No need to worry about breakdowns and their holiday killing costs.  A hired car that has motor trouble is not your responsibility, you simple call and a replacement is sent.  Additionally driving a rental is fun and that is what a holiday is for, fun and relaxation.  Let your mind and body rest.  Hire your transportation and give your old ride a holiday as well.

The actual value of the car will depend on the make, model, colour, age, condition, and mileage, plus any mod cons or add-ons such as alloy wheels. Most cars will be worth less than their owners paid out in the first place and the actual value can be significant, especially if the seller is depending on the cash to secure the purchase of his next car. Some people start by looking at ads for comparable models to get an idea of how much to ask. However, this is not an exact science, as other cars may be over or under-priced, they may have depreciated in value following an accident or they may have expensive additional features.

The most scientific way to ascertain the car’s actual value quickly is with an online appraisal. The service is cheap, sometimes even free. Use a trusted website such as webuyanycar.com or Kelley Blue Book. After entering the details of the vehicle and its condition, the website will deliver a valuation of the car based on the information given. This figure will be an ideal starting point when doing the math on selling the car and getting something new.

Financing your purchase is not so scary really, as there are a number of car finance options available these days. Car dealers often offer repayment options that help ease the burden of this costly purchase. The best thing to do is to discuss your situation with the car sales team and see what payment schemes they have available.

Another option you may wish to consider is the possibility of a part exchange car, or you may decide to take a look at some second hand cars. There really is a finance option out there for you; it is simply a matter of finding the one that suits your financial circumstances and getting a good deal on your new car.

Before taking any pictures, ensure that the car is thoroughly clean, both inside and out. Wash and polish the car and clear out and vacuum the interior. Invest in a professional clean or valet service if funds will allow. The ideal weather conditions in which to take pictures are bright and dry. Never photograph in the rain. An image of the car covered in snow will probably get people looking but not for the right reasons, as the sceptical buyer could easily assume that the snow is being used to hide some damage or depreciation. The best approach is the simplest. Remember to get the whole of the car clearly in shot, leaving some space around the sides. It is also a good idea to tidy the area around the car, so that the picture looks clean. The photographs should only include the car, with no animals and certainly no people, even if they are just bystanders. Use a good camera for a quality image. Photograph the car from the front, back and sides, as well as at an angle from the front. If there is any damage to the bodywork, ensure that this is included. It is also important to capture any specific or unique selling points of the vehicle, such as alloy wheels or a convertible roof.