Category: Auto

If you’re like most Americans, you probably rely on your car for several daily tasks. You use it to get to and from work, run errands, and take your kids to school. None of these functions would be possible without your tires and wheels.

People don’t give their tires and rims as much thought as they deserve. If you damage your rims, it can wreak havoc on your car. Bent rims can pop your tires, resulting in blowouts as you drive.

The easiest solution for bad rims is to get new ones. If you’re not sure when to replace your rims, don’t worry! We’ll walk you through the three worst signs of rim damage in the guide below.

1. Damaged Rims Cause Vibration and Shaking In Your Steering

If you’re driving down the road and notice a regular shaking or vibration in your vehicle, there’s a high likelihood that bad rims are the cause. If one or more of your rims is damaged, it causes the tire to make uneven contact with the road.

The result of this rough contact is a shaking in the vehicle. If you notice a persistent vibration in your steering column, you likely have a bent rim in the front tires of your car. Likewise, if the shakiness goes to your seat or further back in the car, you probably have a bent rim in the rear of the vehicle.

2. If Your Car isn’t Handling Right, You May Need New Rims

Do you remember how smoothly your car handled when you first drove it out of the dealership lot? It probably felt magical, like you were setting out on a new adventure.

Over time, everybody gets used to the way their car handles. As such, an abrupt change in how the car drives is often noticeable.

Compare the way your car handles now to how it functioned in the past. Is there a significant difference? Does your car feel sluggish and “jerky,” or like it’s beyond your control at times?

If so, you probably have at least one bent rim. Check the rims or take your car to get inspected. If you allow this problem to fester, it could result in harmful outcomes.

3. Is There Visible Damage to Your Wheel?

Let’s say you’re driving out of the driveway and immediately notice a shift in how your car handles. You turn off the vehicle and kneel to check your Borghini wheels.

If you have large hubcaps that block your view, remove these to get a better look at the tires. If there is a noticeable deformation in one of your wheels, it likely came from a distorted rim. In situations like this, getting new rims is the best solution.

Get New Rims Today!

If you’re wondering when to get new rims, check your vehicle for the problems above. If you notice any of these issues in your car, new rims may be the ideal solution.

We hope you enjoyed this article! If so, check out our other content today.

With how cool aftermarket alloy wheels look, it’s no surprise that the aftermarket wheel market is growing and growing. In fact, it’s over $6 billion a year and is expected to grow 3% more every year in the US, Germany, and Japan.

That said, it’s in the best interest of these companies to throw all kinds of information your way about wheel weight to convince you that heavier is better, or lighter is better. It boils down to them convincing you that whatever they sell offers better performance or is currently trending.

But can you tell the difference between marketing tricks and real performance gain? Keep reading to find out if lighter wheels really are better for your ride!

The Weight of a Wheel: Does It Matter at All?

Let’s debunk a classic claim about weight. For every 100 pounds you ditch from your car it may go one-tenth faster on the strip. That said, it may go two-tenths, or not make a difference at all.

The main contributing factors are aerodynamics, horsepower, and traction. Your power means nothing if your Enkei wheels aren’t pushing that power into the pavement.

Likewise, all the power in the world won’t overcome bad aerodynamics. You’ll get to a speed where the power of your vehicle can’t overcome the frictional forces of your poor aerodynamics.

Also, not all weight has equal importance, even if it’s all the same on a scale.

Rotating weight, reciprocating weight — that is, parts that spin or parts that go back and forth — may be more important in the minds of some racers. For wheels, this may be even more true.

A flywheel stores energy for hydroelectric and other power plants. Your engine is also a kind of powerplant, that uses kinetic energy instead of electrical energy. You can almost imagine that each of your wheels is like a flywheel.

The heavier a flywheel is, the harder it is to get it to stop. Frictional forces of wind affect it less than a lightweight wheel. However, heavier things also take more energy to break the moment of intertia (a body at rest).

That means it’s harder to stop your car when it’s moving and harder to get it to move.

Making Sure Your Wheel Weight is Low

Not all wheels are created equally. Your OEM wheels are obviously the right weight for your car as determined by the manufacturer. They could be better, but they do a good enough job and are easy to mass-produce on the factory level.

Car manufacturers don’t lose money on them and get decent enough performance for the average consumer. However, they could be better.

Most aftermarket wheels you see for flashy rims actually add quite a lot of weight to your car. It’s important to go for a trusted manufacturer of aftermarket wheels, like Enkei wheels, no matter your vehicle.

Truck wheels, SUV wheels, and sedan wheels all go through different strains, but there are lightweight, durable alloys out there. Don’t plan on getting lightweight durable wheels for cheap, though — quality costs.

Lightening the Load

We hope this helped you determine that a lighter wheel weight is in fact a better wheel, as long as it is also durable. No matter if it’s a truck tire or a car tire, they only perform as well as the wheel they’re attached to. Make that wheel a good wheel.

Did you learn something about wheels, tires, and basic principles of kinetic energy? That’s great, but you need to know more. Keep browsing our articles for the latest in automotive news and tips!

Having the right lighting in place is a significant factor when creating the right atmosphere. If you’re considering LED car lighting to make your rides more pleasant, there is certain information that you need to keep in mind.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about.

Make Sure They Have the Colors You Want

The entire point of installing LED lights in your vehicle is to improve the overall atmosphere in your car. Unfortunately, you likely won’t be able to achieve this if the LED lights you choose don’t have the colors you want.

Many LED lights allow users to select a specific color from a list. Others, though, only come in a few colors.

In some cases, the lights may only have one color available.

Before you go through the effort of installing these lights, make sure that the colors you want are accessible. Otherwise, you may not be satisfied with the result.

Pay Attention to How Much Energy They Require

Cheaper LED lighting products are notorious for using more energy than they should. Although this may not present an immediate problem, you may encounter issues one day.

For instance, you might find that your car’s battery has died months before you plan to replace it. Depending on the scenario, this could leave you stranded in an unsafe location.

It can also prevent you from making it to certain obligations on time.

The good news is that LED lights require a relatively low amount of power. Still, it’s in your best interest to double-check how much energy they require before making your decision.

You Need to Install Them Correctly

Ideally, you would simply be able to plug in LED lights and be done with the installation. In reality, the process is a bit more involved.

In order to install them correctly, you may require splicing wires, a relay, and even a heat sink underneath the hood of your car. For those who aren’t used to working on their vehicle, it’s also in your best interest to outsource this responsibility to somebody else.

Keep in mind that is highly likely that installing LED lighting in your vehicle will void your warranty. If you’re unsure, contact your manufacturer in order to clarify this information.

LED lights are one of the most popular additions people make to their vehicles. If you’re looking for other high-quality Jeep accessories, you can check out this resource.

Finding the Right LED Car Lighting Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult

Our guide above will help ensure that you make the decision about LED car lighting that is best for you. From here, you’ll find that your rides are much smoother and more enjoyable.

Want to learn more useful info that can help you out in the future? Be sure to check out the rest of our blog.

When you take pride in the vehicle you drive, it’s only natural to want to enhance its visual appeal. For many vehicle owners, this means keeping it clean and well-maintained inside and out.

However, if you want to customize your vehicle to make it more unique, we recommend starting with custom rims and tires. The wheels of your vehicle can change its entire vibe.

However, before you invest in this new update, you’ll want to learn more about what you’re looking for. We can help. Keep reading for our top tips on how to buy custom tires and rims.

1. Consider the Aesthetic or Your Vehicle

First, think about what you’re going for in terms of aesthetics. Custom rims and tires come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and designs.

Some custom rims make a vehicle look more aggressive, while others make vehicles look more luxurious. Decide on the vibe you want to put off with your custom wheels before making a decision.

2. Verify Compatability

When buying custom wheels for your vehicle, make sure they actually fit your car before pulling the trigger on the investment. For example, if you’re sizing up to a larger rim, the tire might rub on the fender of your vehicle.

While you can always make further modifications to make everything work together, it might be easier to simply measure everything first. That way, you’ll know everything is compatible.

3. Get a Visual Reference Based on Your Vehicle Type

It can be difficult to visualize what custom rims and tires will look like on your vehicle. In some cases, this can lead to disappointment and regret.

To avoid spending a ton of money on something you won’t like, use this wheel visualizer to help you get a visual reference of how the custom wheels will look on your car.

4. Read Product Reviews

One of the most important tips for buying custom tires is to research product reviews before making your purchase. Verify the quality of the product and the credibility of the seller.

If a company has a long list of negative reviews, it’s probably a bad sign. Read online reviews to find out the quality of the product, customer service, and communication offered by the company.

5. Compare Prices

If you’re wondering where to buy custom rims, there is no singular answer. There are countless places to find custom rims and tires. However, you can narrow down your options by comparing and contrasting prices.

However, if a price for custom wheels seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of super low prices. It’s likely that the product is made of cheaper materials or has a low-quality finish.

Are You in the Market for Custom Rims and Tires?

If you’re looking to outfit your vehicle with custom rims and tires, follow the five tips above to ensure you get exactly what you want. Take your time and do your research to make the best choice.

And if you’re looking for more car-related advice or driving tips, stick around. Read through some of our other articles to find more helpful information.

Two wheels, high speeds, and fresh air. This is what you’ll experience when you ride a motorcycle.

The rush of riding is what attracts most people to buy a motorcycle, but they are also a great mode of transportation. If you’re ready to ride, it’s time to search for the best motorcycle. Read on to learn some tips.

Complete a Course

Before purchasing the best motorcycle, it is recommended to complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course. This is similar to a driver’s safety course that can ensure your safety and others who are on the road.

As a motorcyclist, you will be an exposed driver so it is extra important to consider safety. Even if you’ve driven a motorcycle before, play it safe by taking a refresher course.

During a course, you will learn the ins and outs of a motorcycle. You might even get a lesson on different Harley Davidson parts.

Get Insurance

A motorcycle purchase involves more than the bike, you also need to get the right insurance. Most states will require some insurance plans by law.

An insurance policy will protect you if you cause property damages or personal injuries. It will also cover your own medical bills if you are the one injured.

Liability coverage is the type of motorcycle insurance that is required by law. However, there are optional coverages you’ll want to look into.

Find the Right Option

If you can afford it, a customized motorcycle is the best option. Motorcycles aren’t like cars and won’t come with adjustable steering wheels, seats, and other important features.

Check the different motorcycle types out there to find what feels right to you. If you are purchasing your very first motorcycle, test out a standard or naked motorcycle.

Consider a Used Motorcycle

Unless you are looking for specific motorcycle accessories on your first bike, buying a used motorcycle is something to consider. There are various reasons a used bike is a great option, but we have two important ones in mind:

Selling

You might buy a new motorcycle and realize it isn’t the right form of transportation for you. When you buy a used one, you won’t have a lot of money in a loan.

If you plan to sell a motorcycle in a few weeks or later down the line, a used one is easier to sell to get your money’s worth from. Selling a brand new bike is hard because you won’t gain a return on investment.

Dropping

Every motorcyclist will inevitably drop their bike at least once no matter the skills that they have. If you are just learning to ride a motorcycle, buying a used one will prevent you from losing money on damages.

Purchase the Best Motorcycle Now!

The best motorcycle is one that fits all of your wants and needs. Whether you are a seasoned rider or just beginning, you can benefit from the tips listed in this guide.

When you do enough research on the types of motorcycles out there, you’ll have a better idea of which version is right for you. Don’t make a thoughtless decision, put in the work to find the best bike by your standards.

We have plenty of articles on the auto and motor industry. For more great reads, check out the other posts on our blog.

Regardless of how well you plan, unexpected circumstances occur when you least expect them and catch you off guard. Running out of gas, especially on unfamiliar roads, can be one of them. Sometimes you may not find a gas station nearby.Other times you may end up miscalculating the distance or simply forget to refuel your tank. As a driver or car owner, it is important for you to be prepared and know what to do if you get caught in such a situation.

Here are some tips that can help you if you ever run out of gas while driving.

Signs that indicate your car is running out of gas

If your car is running out of gas, it will likely show these signs. :

• Low power: If your car is running out of gas, it will slowly lose its power. You will notice that the car will not catch speed and run very slowly when you hit the accelerator.
• Gas indicator: Most cars have a gas indicator on the screen right behind the steering wheel. If the gas goes below a certain limit, the light will start blinking.
• Sputtering engine: When your car runs out of gas, the air gets trapped in the engine. This causes it to sputter.
• Unable to start: If you parked your car and cannot turn it on, the chances are that your car is low on gas.
• Surging: Low gas can cause a jerk while driving. This happens because the car does not have enough gas to run smoothly.
• Backfire:  The uneven gas supply can create a loud backfire noise in the tailpipe. If you hear your car backfire, you should immediately check if it has enough gas.

What to do if you run out of gas?

While it is always recommended to keep your gas full, especially if you are covering a long distance, there can be days when you forget or things donot go your way. If you are ever stuck on the road because your car ran out of gas, you can try the following things:

• Turn on the emergency flashers: If your car is low on gas and you need to pull up, make sure to turn on the emergency flashers. This will help drivers passing by spot your car easily. Keep your car locked and put it in the park mode to ensure safety.
• Look for the nearest gas station: You can use the maps on your phone or car to find the nearest gas station or “fuel delivery near me”. If you find one within walking distance, you can go and look for gas.
• Call a friend or family member: If you are close by and a friend or family member can help you, you can call someone you know to help you with agas delivery service.
• Call 911: If you are stuck in a remote area with no cellphone coverage, you can still dial 911 from your phone. The emergency service will help you and guide you on the next steps.
• Use roadside assistance from your insurance: Roadside assistance insurance can be another option that can help you if you get stranded on the road. Here you can opt for mobile gas delivery if you cannot go anywhere.

CAASCOAuto Roadside Assistance helps you by delivering sufficient gas to your car. If you have a CAA membership, you can avail theirCAA gas deliverythat helps you get to the nearest gas station. If there is no gas station in the area, the insurance plan will arrange a towing facility in accordance with towing service provisions.

5 Fuel-efficient driving techniques you must look into

Here are some fuel-efficient driving habits that can help you in the long run:

• Maintain a steady speed: Speeding up or slowing down your vehicle uses more fuel. Most cars offer the best fuelefficiency between 50 and 80 km per hour. Try to maintain the idle speed for your car and avoid speeding up or driving too slowly.
• Increase the speed slowly: Instead of accelerating the car in one go, try to step on the gas pedal lightly. When you start your car, take 5 seconds to reach up to the speed of 20 km per hour.
• Avoid sudden breaks: Instead of stepping on the brake, take your foot off the accelerator pedal. This may not be viable in heavy traffic, but you can do this when the traffic is low, and you have a clear view of the road and can anticipate when you have to stop.
• Keep it light: Your car uses more fuel when it carries weight. A lot of people tend to store heavy things like gym equipment, bulky books, etc., permanently in their car to avoid having to carry it back and forth every time they need it. Try to remove anything you do not need to improve your car’s fuel efficiency.
• Turn it off when you stop: Turn off your car whenever you stop. Running the engine while your car sits idle uses up a lot of fuel.

How far should you travel on an empty tank?

If your car is low on gas, the empty tank indicator starts blinking to remind you to fill gas as soon as you can. When this indicator turns on, your car’s fuel tank is not completely empty. It has some gas in it that can allow you to drive to the nearest gas station and fuel up your car. All cars work differently, but most cars may have up to 2 gallons of gas when the indicator turns on. So, this gives you enough time to find the nearest gas station. Some cars also tell you the distance they can cover on the remaining gas to give you an idea. But this is only an estimate and not a guaranteed distance that the car can cover.

It is best to start looking for a gas station as soon as the indicator starts blinking to avoid getting stuck on the road.

Conclusion

Running out of gas can be an unpleasant experience. While you can always call your insurer for roadside assistance or walk up to a gas station, it is best to avoid such a situation. So, ensure you have enough gas when you start your ride and fill it up immediately if the low fuel indicator turns on.

Reference Links Used:

• https://www.nationwide.com/lc/resources/auto-insurance/articles/what-to-do-if-you-run-out-of-gas
• https://www.mach1services.com/car-runs-out-of-gas-on-highway/
• https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/transportation-alternative-fuels/personal-vehicles/fuel-efficient-driving-techniques/21038
• https://blog.openbay.com/what-to-do-if-you-run-out-of-gas/
• https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/what-happens-when-your-car-runs-out-of-gas
• https://www.caasco.com/auto/roadside-assistance
• https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwipz-STk7LxAhUNyzgGHQGWCw0QFjAHegQIAhAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitstillruns.com%2Fsymptoms-car-running-out-gas-7476143.html&usg=AOvVaw0O43Ccxr_FUAEx13Oy4ypN

 

Thinking about scrapping a car? Did you know you’ll face legal ramifications if you do it improperly? Worse yet, you might lose out on some valuable goods.

Don’t worry, we’ve all the details listed below, so you can junk your car the right way. So, when you’re ready to learn the steps every vehicle owner should follow, so you can avoid a fine, read on.

1. Clear Out Personal Belongings

Before you get rid of your old junk cars, be sure to conduct a thorough search for your belongings. If you’re wondering how to scrap a car the right way, do more than checking the back seat. Investigate all the nooks and crannies.

• Under the seats
• In the boot
• On either side of the central console
• In the glovebox
• In the ashtray

Once you turn in a car for scrap, there’s no going back. The fluid is removed from the car, and it’s crushed into a small cube ready for easy transport. Once that happens, you can’t retrieve anything inside without a hefty blowtorch and a pair of sturdy welding goggles.

2. Submit Change of Ownership

Whenever you get rid of a vehicle, your government wants to know about it. That’s why they require you to fill out a TM16 Application Form, otherwise known as a “change of ownership.” You only need a few pieces of information to complete the form.

• Your name, address, and email
• Your vehicles registration number
• The recipient’s details

Though the form is 3 full pages, it takes most people only a few minutes to fill out. Note: You use different forms for a “change of owner’s rights” and “change of name.”

3. Remove Anything of Value

When you sell your car for scrap, the scrap yard is buying the vehicle, so they can resell the scrap metal. In other words, they value only the resale price of the metal in your car. They don’t care about fancy speakers or how much tread is left on the tires.

That doesn’t mean those things don’t have value, quite the opposite. You can remove items like stereo equipment and batteries and resell them yourself. Be sure to get more information on the up-to-date value of car parts, so you can remove the valuable parts and leave the rest.

4. Unscrew Your Plates

Though it’s illegal to drive without both front and back number plates, it’s important to remove your private number plates before you junk your car. Why? For two reasons.

The first is that when you’re getting rid of a car by scrapping it, those plates transfer to the scrap company along with the vehicle. Unfortunately, scrap yards don’t care about plates. They get scrapped along with the rest of the metal, and the DVLA doesn’t re-issue plates that have been on vehicles.

In other words, nobody else will have the chance to use those plates again. If, however, you’d like to use the same number plates on your next vehicle, you can remove them and do so.

Theft is also a consideration. Salvage yards rarely have tight security. Though uncommon, it’s easy for thieves to sneak in, remove plates, and reuse them on other vehicles for nefarious purposes.

After You Finish Scrapping a Car

Scrapping a car is a simple process if you follow the steps listed above. Even if you avoid everything else, submit the change of ownership form, so you can avoid a fine.

If you’d like to learn more about scrapping and other car-related topics, hop over to our huge digital library full of auto and motor articles built for people just like you.

For many people, driving a Ferrari on a trip through Europe is a lifelong dream. That said, how much do you really know about this brand?

Of course, some things are common knowledge. For instance, you may recall that a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO was the most expensive car ever sold. You might also know that all elements of any Ferrari are customizable.

Still, there are some things that only Ferrari diehards will know about. Here are six facts about Ferraris that will surprise you!

1. Rosso Scuderia

These days, Ferraris come in all kinds of colors, from bright yellow to metallic grey. Originally, though, they only came in red (Rosso Scuderia).

Despite its now-iconic look, Rosso Scuderia wasn’t Enzo Ferrari’s original choice. Back then, the International Automobile Federation assigned a red color to all Grand Prix race cars. Ferrari chose to build a brand around this color, and the rest is history.

2. First Models

When Enzo Ferrari was starting out, mass production wasn’t an option. This is why his first official model, the 125 S, was only produced twice.

The 125 S was as unreliable as it was gorgeous. In its competitive debut, fuel pump issues forced the driver to abandon the race while in the lead. Ferrari later dismantled the two 125 S models and used the parts in the Dino Marque project.

3. Theme Park

Need more proof that Ferrari is the biggest brand in the world? In 2010, they constructed the largest indoor theme park in Abu Dhabi.

The park’s main attraction is the fastest rollercoaster in the world at close to 150 mph. It also features three other rollercoasters, kids’ rides, and various family attractions. Renting a Ferrari and driving it on the streets around the park is also an option.

4. Ferrari Merchandise

The main reason why Ferrari is such a big brand is its merchandising strategy. Even if you can’t afford their cars, you can buy the merch.

Each year, Ferrari sells about $1.5 billion worth of merchandise around the world. The stock includes Ferrari-themed sunglasses, clothing, phone covers, and scale models of cars. The brand’s popularity also makes it a perfect rental choice.

5. The Prancing Horse

Ferrari’s “Prancing Horse” logo is as unique as the car itself. How ironic, then, that the logo originally belonged to someone else.

In 1923, Enzo Ferrari met the parents of Francesco Baracca, a flying ace in WWI. Baracca’s parents told him that their son painted the prancing horse on his plane. They told him to adopt the logo for good luck, and he thought it was a great idea.

6. Fiat and Ferrari

Ferrari wasn’t always as successful as it is right now. In the 60s, it was very close to bankruptcy due to increasing financial difficulties.

To get out of the jam, Enzo Ferrari decided to sell 50% of the company to the Fiat Group. The family sold even more of the company later on, retaining only 10% of it. These days, they receive very little of the proceeds from the sales and merchandise.

More Facts About Ferraris

As you can see, Ferrari has had a rich and tumultuous history. Despite all the hardships, though, Ferrari models are as popular as ever. Other carmakers have top-performance models as well, but we’d still rather drive a Ferrari.

Want to know even more fun facts about Ferraris? Keep checking out our Auto section!

Getting involved in a car accident can be a stressful experience. Thousands of such accidents are reported in California every year, and many crashes result in serious injuries and fatalities, besides extensive property damage. After an accident in Stockton, you need to report the crash to California DMV within 10 days, if there was death, injuries, and/or property damage worth $1,000 (or more) was involved. Make sure that you call 911 and the police from the accident scene. Apart from all that, talking to a Stockton car accident attorney can really help your case. In this post, we are sharing more on why an attorney is important for your circumstances.

There Is Limited Time

Like other states, California also has a statute of limitations, which only allows 2 years to file personal injury lawsuits after a car accident. If the accident resulted in death, family of the deceased can file a wrongful death lawsuit within 2 years. The clock starts counting from the date of death, which may not be the same as date of accident. Most of the crucial evidence is likely to disappear soon after the accident, which is precisely why you need an attorney. An accident attorney can investigate the matter, ensure that you have the necessary help, so that a claim or lawsuit can be filed within time.

When You Are Partly At Fault

California is a “pure comparative negligence” state. What does that mean? If you were partially at fault for the accident but suffered injuries, you can still file a claim for compensation and damages. However, your eventual settlement will be reduced by your share of fault. Unlike states that follow the modified comparative accident rule, you can file a lawsuit in California, even when your share of fault is more than 50%. You have to consult an attorney to know if you have a valid case in the first place.

Maximizing Your Settlement

Another key reason to hire a car accident attorney is to negotiate with the insurance company. Insurance companies often try tactics to minimize their financial burden of the claim, and you need a legal expert on your side to see through all of that. Your attorney is in charge of ensuring that your settlement is maximized.

Meeting a car accident attorney in Stockton doesn’t have to cost anything, and if your case is strong enough, your lawyer will agree to work on a contingency basis.