What to Do When Your Car Doesn't Start

When you rely on your car for every day essential errands, your day can take a downturn when your car unexpectedly won't start. If your car doesn't start while you are out, you may not have the right people and/or resources around and you may be left stranded.
What Could Be Wrong?
If your car was running fine and all of a sudden it doesn't start, the first place to look is the car battery. The battery may have become discharged or may be low on power. Luckily this is an easy fix.
What Can I Do?
Carefully open the hood and look at the battery. See if you can observe it being in place. Observe the cable clamps. If they appear loose, or if you see powder like accumulation or corrosive build up, that may be the target repair problem. The corrosion from the battery terminal must be cleaned and the clamps must be tightened to make sure it doesn't move.

If the battery is not the problem, check to see if it might be something basic such as low fuel or the car may not fully in park.

Safety First

If the car is somewhat running, try to get to a safe location such as a parking lot of a business that is still open. If the vehicle is not running, but can coast in neutral, guide the car to the right shoulder, but stay on level ground. Leave emergency flashers on so other drivers can notice you.

If the car is stuck in traffic, just turn on the emergency flashers. You and your passengers should not remain in a car that is stuck in a busy area, especially if there is potential for the car to be hit from behind. Exit from the side away from traffic.

While waiting for help, never stand behind or in front of a stranded vehicle. If you are unable to call for help, you can try to safely signal other drivers by raising the hood.

If you do not have an emergency kit handy with a flag, flare, or warning triangles, then you can tie a bright colored cloth or scarf to the antenna or driver door handle. Seeing these signals can help prompt an oncoming driver to slow down while approaching.

Where Do I Send My Car?
Most emergency roadside services will pay for a tow within a 100 mile radius of the area you are stranded. It is a good idea to keep the phone numbers and addresses of repair facilities you prefer handy in your car as a reference.

Or if you are traveling, try to bookmark in advance potential directories you can easily access from a smart phone or GPS. Some emergency roadside services, offer mobile applications to access pre-screened facilities nearby.

If you are a person who tends to forget your membership cards, always keep a copy of your membership letter with member number handy in your car.

If you have a preferred repair facility, make a mental note to ask them their procedure for helping existing customers when they are stranded. Some repair facilities have towing services they have established relationships with and may be able to help you avoid the long wait if you are stranded.

Others may offer a courtesy car service to come and pick you up if you are stranded during their normal business hours. Asking these questions in advance can save time and/or money.

Fuel Efficient SUV

Sport utility cars are acknowledged to be gas-guzzlers even though they provide far better gas mileage as compared to several cars. A fuel efficient SUV is ideal for people who usually transport bulky things, have numerous children and plan to do some off road driving once in a while or merely like an additional height for ease in getting in or out of the vehicle.

These days individuals are looking for ways to lessen their expenses without depriving themselves what they really need. A car is one of the necessities of many households to get to the office, school, store and primarily to go around.

Many individuals are resolving to downgrade their automobiles or change to an electric, diesel, or a hybrid vehicle. Usually, the smaller the automobile the better the fuel mileage but that does not mean that you really do have to go smaller to economize on fuel. Sometimes it is better to consider alternatives obtainable with the similar dimension and category of the car.

Most individuals are now seriously musing regarding what a good fuel efficient SUV does. SUVs come under three kinds of fuel efficient SUVs. There are the small, the mid-size and the big crossovers and Sport utility cars. One of the finest places to discover the best SUVs is the Kelly Blue Book. The book has outlined a number of their finest fuel economy SUVs starting with the best fuel efficient SUV going down for each category of SUV. This informative article deals with the 2011 models only.

The small sport utility vehicle class comes with the Chevrolet Equinox four cylinders at the top of the list and does twenty-two miles per gallon in the city and thirty-two miles per gallon on the highway. It has a cultured, calm ride and completely out does other car in this classification. Its average starting price begins at around $23,000.

The Honda CR-V is as good as in the town as it is in driving off road doing twenty-eight miles to the gallon and will cost you approximately $21,000.

Hyundai Tucson has the cheapest price in this class at about $19,000. This has an optional all-wheel drive, excellent styling, and does thirty-one miles per gallon on the highway.

Subaru Forester features a twenty four thousand pounds hauling power and is specially made for people that like to show off on the road. Its starting price is around $20,000.

The number five position is the Toyota RAV4 doing 28 mpg, costs $22,000 as well as the first small SUV to deal with third row seats.

Acura RDX is a sports car and made for those that dream about a powerful vehicle, that has a huge carriage capability. It goes for around $31,000.

Audi Q5 with composite style and luxury has a starting price of $36,000.
The Infinite ECX35 has an initial price of $33,000 for a small SUV that is encumbered with technology and polished styling.

Mercedes-Benz GLK has all features for people who are looking for extravagance. The price for this model starts at $33,000.

The Volvo is the number ten on the list and is also well-known for safety and attention to detail. It averages 27mpg on the highway and 18mpg in the town.

All of these have good numbers and are better than most midsized and big luxury vehicles in terms of mileage. They provide more legroom and you could swivel the back seat to create more space for larger items you might want to transport.

Realizing the Benefits of Automotive Glass Replacement

We understand the fact that replacing is not only an easy process, but it can also be cost-effective. There can be innumerable reasons as to why people give so much priority in completely replacing the glass on their vehicle.

If the glass has been shattered or cracked, your local glass repair specialist would be in a better position to tell you that if the damage is beyond repair.

There can be a situation when you don't have to get the glass replaced but only repaired.

There could be several hurdles your vehicle could face over years of driving such as cracks, scratches, pitted glass, etc.

These kinds of flaws might not seem to be inadequate to some people but can really decrease the visibility of your glass. This is really crucial for your front windshield and the rear window. We comprehend that how crucial visibility is when we are driving in the night. At night, visibility tends to get diminished if there is a rough windshield.

The windshield replacement can prove to be an expensive affair for you. A feasible substitute is windshield repair so that it doesn't prove to be heavy for your pocket and it is one of the most sought after options by the insurance companies rather than replacement.

The benefit that is provided by insurance companies is waiver in the client's deductible if he chooses to repair the car windshield in lieu of replacement.

This creates a right track for the insurance companies as well as they save a lot of dough this way. It is recommendable that you should always opt for repair as it sustains the integrity and reliability of its factory seal.

Windshield repair is an effective service that has taken over the industry by storm.

Automotive Glass Replacement Services are very mandatory if you want to save your car from cracks, scratches, and many other flaws. It is a fact that auto windshields tend to damage or crash and there are many reasons for this to occur.

For example, pebbles can smash the windshield when the car is in motion. Another reason is accidents that can cause the windshield to fragment completely.

Undoubtedly, extreme cold weather conditions also result in the windshields to shatter.

Countless people are unaware of the certainty that you can have any piece of glass repaired at your own convenience.

Several companies will provide the quote as to how much the glass would cost you and then, will come to you for the purpose of installation of the glass.

You don't have to hold any anxiety in your mind as the glass will be factory certified and will be brand new.

Head Gasket Repair: Things You Should Know About It

A head gasket is a gasket that seals the top part of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. It should last for the life of the engine, but it requires proper maintenance if you want to make sure it will last for a long time without any damage.

If it is damaged or broken, you will have to get it repaired. However, any seasoned car owners will tell you that the repair can cost you a fortune.

Factors That Require You To Pay More

So, what makes the repair cost high? Well, there are several factors that contribute to the repair cost. The cost of head gasket inspection by a professional mechanic overshadows the cost of repairing the gasket itself.

When you take your car to a car repair workshop, the mechanics will thoroughly check the overall condition of your car, find out what causes the damage, determine damage intensity, and so on.

These are some of the factors that require you to pay more. Additionally, labor cost, the cost of the tools and equipments, and the cost of a new head gasket (if the old one needs replacing) also add up to the repair cost.

Another reason why the repair cost is so expensive is the position and the complex mechanism of this part.

The head gasket is located within the engine of your car; the exact location is between cylinder head and engine block. Hence, its location makes it very hard to reach.

Mechanics will have to pass through numerous delicate vehicle parts such as pistons and fuel valve, and hence careful handling is needed.

When the mechanics have completed the repair, they will have to fix the other parts of the engine and make sure that everything is where it should be.

The Amount Of Money You Have To Spend For The Repair

Now you know why the cost of head gasket repair is very expensive. But the question is, how much do you have to pay for it? A typical repair would cost you somewhere around USD 1200 to USD 1400. This amount already includes the cost of the parts as well as the labor.

For parts, you usually have to spend around USD 400-500 and for labor you will have to spend USD 800-900. As mentioned previously, the high labor cost is due to the complexity of the repair procedure and the time required to finish the job.

Problems With Windshield And Windshield Replacement Cost Estimations

Windshield or windscreen is not the most essential part of a car. In other words, your car can still run without it. Yet, it protects you from elements that you may encounter while driving such as heavy wind, rain water, debris, dust, and so on.

A tinted windshield is used to maintain the privacy of the passengers of the car. On the other hand, a bulletproof windscreen provides protection. Many serious car enthusiasts are also willing to spend hundreds to even thousands of dollars to customize their car's windscreen to make their ride stand out from the rest.

However, regardless of the purpose people have in mind when installing a particular windshield, a good one should be perfectly intact. Sometimes there are unexpected things like a traffic accident, vandalism, or even debris from a thunderstorm that might damage your windshield. When any of these things happen, you may need to repair or even replace your old windscreen.

The decision whether to repair or replace your car's windshield depends on how badly damaged it actually is. If the damage only happens to the glass sandwich of the windshield's outer layer, surely replacement is not needed. You will only have to repair the damaged part without altering the other parts. This type of repair usually does not cost a lot of money.

The cost of repairing minor damages can even be covered by your car insurance policy so that you don't have to pay any single penny. If you choose to go to a car workshop to get the damage fixed, you will only need to spend around $20 for an in-store service. On the other hand, a mobile repair service can cost you more than $50.

If the mechanics tell you that the damage is too serious to be repaired, you will have to get the windscreen replaced. The cost of a windscreen replacement may vary depending on the car's model and the size and shape of the screen. Generally, a replacement job for a passenger car will cost you somewhere around $157 to $324; SUV needs $164 to $310; minivan needs $174 to $294; while pickup truck needs $$1164 to $310.

Estimations for windscreen repair are: $50-$59 for a small crack (12 inch and below), $59-$69 for 13-24 inch crack, and screen replacement for cracks which are more than 24 inches in length. You may have to spend extra cost for rubber moldings (around $5-$21) as well as wiper and blade replacement (around $10-$20).

Why Have Your Car Serviced at a Main Dealer?

In the current economic climate we are all trying to find ways to make our money go further. Switching from getting your car serviced at a main dealer and finding an alternative should be a no brainer, right? Not necessarily.

The general consensus seems to be that main dealers are over priced and any garage could do the same job, the difference is just the stamp in the book. But is this really the case?

Smaller garages sell us on their lower labour rate, often the promise they can do everything a main dealer can do, have the skills and the technology to fix all your problems. They may be seen as more, or less valuable that a main dealer depending on your previous experience and that of people you speak to. Both have their benefits to customers depending on many factors including budget, make and model, and the work you require.

Most towns and cities will have a number of both main dealer and non franchise garages you can visit. It's important to be comfortable when speaking with the garage carrying out your servicend repairs, so it may be a good idea to visit a few of them. Vehicle servicing and repair operates to an extent on trust, and the ability to open a good line of communication and trust is important.

Whether you end up deciding on a main dealer or smaller garage it's important to be honest and give them every detail possible when booking in for repair. No matter how insignificant you may feel an aspect or behaviour of your car may be, it could mean the difference between 10 minutes and 6 hours diagnosis.

Save yourself the ey and your technicians the time by helping them as much as possible. Remember to leave your mobile number and keep your phone on in case of any questions or queries. It's frustrating for both parties when you come to collect you car and find you have to rebook because you weren't available to give authority for a repair.

Accountability: If you have a problem with a main dealer service or repair you have the might of their boss, the marque, behind you. They are held fully accountable for their actions and if an issue is brought to the attention of head office, it will not be taken lightly.

While there are many, many reputable smaller garages out there, there will always be the odd cowboy ready to take your money. If they don't want to be held accountable bringing these people to justice can require a very large amount of money and time which you may not get back.

Expertise: Again it's true that there are many smaller garages who might know your car inside out. But do they have the most up to date knowledge? Or the latest version of the diagnostic software specifically for your marque? With no access to marque run courses and the very high expense of the software I'd think it unlikely. -
Cost: Long gone are the days when main dealers could charge extortionate hourly rates. Block exemption has led to increased competition in the car sales and service marketplace and main dealers have had to fall in to line, or miss out on the business altogether.

Extra Services: Not many smaller garages can offer courtesy cars, lifts, collection and delivery, price promises, while you wait servicing, and marque trained technicians. Of course may will offer one or more of these services, but the flexibility given by most main dealers can be above and beyond that of a smaller outfit.
Peace of Mind: Main dealers only deal in genuine parts.

They cannot promise you a genuine oil filter and fit a cheap non branded unit because they do not supply or buy them, it's not in the brand's interest to do so. Every part fitted will be genuine, and come with a parts and labour warranty (in most circumstances)

History of the Volkswagen Golf GTI

The Volkswagen Golf GTI was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1975, arriving in the UK two years later in 1977.

Originally the car arrived in the UK as left hand drive, leading to sales of just 34 vehicles in it's first year on our shores.

As the first 'hot hatch' sales of the Mk1 GTI quickly gather pace, the little car could hit 60mph in 9 seconds and reach a top speed just short of 110mph.

Once it's 1588cc engine, four speed gearbox and 108bhp were complimented with a right hand drive model in 1979, buyers flocked to Volkswagen dealers across the country and sales topped 1,570, trebling within two years.

The Mk1 Golf GTI are something of a collectors item nowadays, finding a decent one is likely to set you back over £3000.

The Mk2 GTI
The Mk2 Golf GTI took over from the Mk1 in 1984 offering a 1781cc engine and 113bhp. The Mk2 is slightly larger than the Mk1 and of course slightly heavier.

This meant power to weight had little improvement overall from the Mk1. However Volkswagen released a 16v, 138bhp engine capable of 130mph in 8 seconds and a top speed of 130mph, which soon grabbed the attention of potential buyers.

Many enthusiasts feel this Mk2 is the best of the Golf GTIs. Sales of the Mk2 peaked at just over 17,190 in 1989 an the car remains a popular hot hatch to this day.

The Mk3 GTI
When unveiled in 1992 it's 2.0 8v produced a bhp of 113bhp, showing no increase from the 1.8 Mk2 engine. Although the car's aero dynamics had been improved, it was heavier than it's predecessor. Volkswagen managed to regain popularity with the meatier 2.0 16v 150bhp engine. With a top speed of 133mph and a 0-60 of 8.3 seconds the Golf GTI was back on top. However it's 0-62mph remained slightly slower that the Mk2 thanks to it's increased weight, and despite the new aero dynamics the average mpg was only 25.3mpg. Perhaps for these reasons the Mk3 GTI was, and remains a less popular car.

The Mk4 GTI
The Mk4 GTI can be a contentious vehicle. Released in 1998 the line up was altered to include the first diesel GTI engine, bringing it to the interest of company car owners across the country and changing the Golf GTI's image.

The GTI was picking up a lot of competition, and some feel that the Mk4 effort did not match expectation. The 123 and 148bhp engines in heavy cars did not tantalise the GTI crowd.

What did get them salivating again was the release of the 180bhp Anniversary Edition which went on to inspire the Mk5 Golf GTI. The Anniversary was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the the first Golf GTI. It's high specification level including Recaro seats, and torquey performance made it a sure fire hit for GTI enthusiasts.

The Mk5 GTI
The Mk5 was launched at the Paris Motors Show in 2004. With it's new 2.0, 200 bhp engine and six speed gearbox teamed with nods to the original such as the tartan interior red grille surround the Mk5 was a true contender on the hot hatch market once again.

Production stopped in 2008 with reports of high production costs, totalling sales of over 17,600 units in it's four year reign.

It's always wise to have your beloved GTI cared for by experts. Regular maintenance and careful ownership help preserve the value of the car and keep it in tip top condition.

Volkswagen dealer and Volkswagen servicing and repairs may not be as steep as you think in today's competitive after sales market and potential buyers are keen to see the Volkswagen dealer stamp throughout a car's service book.