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Driving can be a convenient and efficient way to get around, but it also comes with its own set of risks and challenges. In addition to common problems like traffic congestion and road hazards, there is also the risk of being involved in an accident. In the event of an accident, injury insurance can provide important financial protection and peace of mind for drivers. 

What is Injury Insurance?

Injury insurance, also known as personal injury protection (PIP), is a type of car insurance that covers medical expenses and other costs related to injuries sustained in a car accident. In most states, this type of insurance is required by law, although the minimum coverage amounts can vary.

What Does Injury Insurance Cover?

This insurance typically covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with a car accident. This can include:

• Hospital bills
• Doctor visits
• Physical therapy
• Prescription medication
• Lost income
• Funeral expenses

The specific coverage amounts and limits will depend on your insurance policy.

Why Do You Need Insurance?

Insurance is important because it can help protect you financially in the event of an accident. Medical bills and other costs associated with an accident can add up quickly, and without it, you could be left paying these expenses out of pocket. In addition, the insurance can help cover lost wages if you are unable to work due to your injuries.

What Happens If You Don't Have Insurance?

If you are in an accident and don't have insurance, you could be left paying for your medical expenses and other costs out of pocket. This could result in financial hardship and could even lead to bankruptcy in some cases. If you are in need of legal advice, it's important to seek help from experienced and knowledgeable professionals. 

If you live in Australia, in the case of serious injuries, it's a good idea to consult with Australian Superannuation & Insurance Lawyers when you are dealing with an injury-related claim. They can provide legal advice and representation to help you seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. They can also help you navigate the complex legal process associated with injury claims and ensure that your rights are protected.

How Does Injury Insurance Work?

In case of an injury in an accident, you will typically file a claim with your insurance company. Your insurance company will then pay for your medical expenses and other costs up to the limits of your policy. If your expenses exceed your policy limits, you may be responsible for paying the remaining costs out of pocket.

What are the Benefits of Injury Insurance?

There are several benefits to having the insurance, including:

• Financial protection - it can help protect you from financial ruin in the event of an accident.
• Peace of mind - knowing that you have insurance can give you peace of mind while you're on the road.
• Quick access to medical care - it can help ensure that you get the medical care you need quickly after an accident.

How Much Does Insurance Cost?

The cost of injury insurance can vary depending on a number of factors, including your age, driving history, and the state you live in. However, the cost is typically relatively low compared to other types of car insurance.

How to Get Insurance

Injury insurance is typically included in your car insurance policy. If you don't currently have it, you can contact your insurance company to add it to your policy.

Conclusion

Injury insurance is an important type of car insurance that can help protect you financially in the event of an accident. With the insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are covered if the worst happens. So you should definitely consider adding it to your policy if you don’t already have it. 

Driving can be a convenient and efficient way to get around, but it also comes with its own set of risks and challenges. In addition to common problems like traffic congestion and road hazards, there is also the risk of being involved in an accident. In the event of an accident, injury insurance can provide important financial protection and peace of mind for drivers. 

What is Injury Insurance?

Injury insurance, also known as personal injury protection (PIP), is a type of car insurance that covers medical expenses and other costs related to injuries sustained in a car accident. In most states, this type of insurance is required by law, although the minimum coverage amounts can vary.

What Does Injury Insurance Cover?

This insurance typically covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with a car accident. This can include:

• Hospital bills
• Doctor visits
• Physical therapy
• Prescription medication
• Lost income
• Funeral expenses

The specific coverage amounts and limits will depend on your insurance policy.

Why Do You Need Insurance?

Insurance is important because it can help protect you financially in the event of an accident. Medical bills and other costs associated with an accident can add up quickly, and without it, you could be left paying these expenses out of pocket. In addition, the insurance can help cover lost wages if you are unable to work due to your injuries.

What Happens If You Don't Have Insurance?

If you are in an accident and don't have insurance, you could be left paying for your medical expenses and other costs out of pocket. This could result in financial hardship and could even lead to bankruptcy in some cases. If you are in need of legal advice, it's important to seek help from experienced and knowledgeable professionals. 

If you live in Australia, in the case of serious injuries, it's a good idea to consult with Australian Superannuation & Insurance Lawyers when you are dealing with an injury-related claim. They can provide legal advice and representation to help you seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. They can also help you navigate the complex legal process associated with injury claims and ensure that your rights are protected.

How Does Injury Insurance Work?

In case of an injury in an accident, you will typically file a claim with your insurance company. Your insurance company will then pay for your medical expenses and other costs up to the limits of your policy. If your expenses exceed your policy limits, you may be responsible for paying the remaining costs out of pocket.

What are the Benefits of Injury Insurance?

There are several benefits to having the insurance, including:

• Financial protection - it can help protect you from financial ruin in the event of an accident.
• Peace of mind - knowing that you have insurance can give you peace of mind while you're on the road.
• Quick access to medical care - it can help ensure that you get the medical care you need quickly after an accident.

How Much Does Insurance Cost?

The cost of injury insurance can vary depending on a number of factors, including your age, driving history, and the state you live in. However, the cost is typically relatively low compared to other types of car insurance.

How to Get Insurance

Injury insurance is typically included in your car insurance policy. If you don't currently have it, you can contact your insurance company to add it to your policy.

Conclusion

Injury insurance is an important type of car insurance that can help protect you financially in the event of an accident. With the insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are covered if the worst happens. So you should definitely consider adding it to your policy if you don’t already have it. 

Garages are more than just a place to park your car. For many car enthusiasts, garages are a sanctuary, a place to work on their vehicles and to immerse themselves in their passion for cars. However, garages have not always been associated with cars. The history of garages is an interesting one, and it is only through exploring this history that we can truly appreciate how they became a haven for car enthusiasts.

The origins of the garage

The word "garage" comes from the French word "garer" which means to shelter or to protect. In the 1800s, the term "garage" referred to a place where people could store their carriages and horses. These early garages were typically small, single-story buildings made of wood or brick. As the popularity of automobiles grew in the early 1900s, so too did the demand for garages. Many early car owners would simply park their vehicles on the street, but this was not always practical or safe. As a result, the first purpose-built garages for cars began to appear in the early 1900s.

The rise of the car culture

In the early 20th century, cars were still relatively new and were primarily owned by the wealthy. However, as the cost of automobiles began to come down and the number of cars on the road increased, a new car culture began to emerge. This culture was driven by a fascination with cars and a desire to explore the open road. Garages played a key role in this culture, providing a safe and secure place for car owners to store and work on their vehicles.

The evolution of the garage

As cars became more popular and more affordable, garages began to evolve. In the 1920s and 1930s, garages became larger and more elaborate, reflecting the growing importance of cars in society. Many of these garages were built in the Art Deco style and featured curved walls, large windows, and stylish doors. By the 1950s, garages had become an essential part of the American dream, with many families owning at least one car and a garage to park it in.

The garage as a sanctuary

For many car enthusiasts, the garage has become much more than just a place to park their car. It is a place to work on their vehicles, tinker with engines, and immerse themselves in their passion for cars. In recent years, the garage has become an important part of the car enthusiast culture, with many enthusiasts building elaborate garages complete with lifts, toolboxes, and other equipment. These garages are often decorated with automotive memorabilia and are a place for car enthusiasts to escape from the stresses of everyday life. However, if you want a garage that is going to give you everything you need, you have to design and build it professionally. This is why finding experts in this field is a must, and if you live in Australia, for instance, you can find an experienced structural engineer from Sydney who will help you turn your ideas into reality and give you the best garage in the world!

The future of the garage

As technology continues to advance and cars become increasingly complex, the garage of the future is likely to look very different from the garages of today. With electric and autonomous cars becoming more common, garages may become less focused on mechanics and more focused on charging and maintenance. However, for car enthusiasts, the garage will always be a sanctuary, a place to connect with their passion and immerse themselves in the world of cars.

The history of garages is a fascinating one, and it is clear that these humble structures have played a significant role in the development of car culture. From their origins as simple shelters for horses and carriages to their current incarnation as car enthusiasts' sanctuaries, garages have evolved along with the automobile!

The automotive lifestyle is more than just owning a car; it's a passion that involves everything from tinkering with engines to admiring the sleek lines of a classic car. It can be difficult to know where to begin for those who are new to the automotive industry. In this article, we'll go over the most important things you should know about the automotive lifestyle, whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer.

Customization Is Key

Customization is an important aspect of the automotive lifestyle. Customization, whether it's adding a new exhaust system, upgrading your rims, or installing a turbocharger, is what distinguishes your vehicle from the crowd. It's all about personalizing your vehicle and expressing yourself through it. Customization is a way of life for many car enthusiasts. The possibilities are endless, from custom paint jobs to adding JDM accessories, for instance. Customization in the automotive industry is about more than just making your car look good; it's also about improving its performance. Upgrading your suspension or installing a high-performance air filter can improve your car's handling and power significantly.

Maintenance Is Crucial

If you're a car enthusiast, you know that keeping your vehicle in good condition is just as important as customizing it. Regular maintenance not only keeps your car running smoothly, but also allows you to identify potential problems before they become major problems. Taking care of your vehicle is a top priority, from regular oil changes to checking your tire pressure. A well-kept car will also retain its value and be more reliable in the long run. Neglecting routine maintenance can result in costly repairs and even jeopardize your safety on the road. Maintaining your car also entails paying attention to its quirks and addressing any problems as they arise.

The Community Is Strong

The automotive community is a close-knit group of people who share a common interest. There are numerous opportunities to connect with like-minded people, ranging from car shows to meetups. There is a community for you whether you like classic cars or high-performance vehicles. Being a part of the automotive community entails exchanging information, experiences, and, of course, a passion for all things automotive. The automotive community is about more than just cars; it's about the people who love them. The automotive community is built on camaraderie and support, from swapping stories about car mods to lending a hand with a repair.

Safety Should Never Be Compromised

While customization is an important part of the automotive lifestyle, it's important to remember that safety comes first. It is critical to ensure that your vehicle is up to code, to install safety features such as seat belts and airbags, and to practice safe driving habits. A car accident can be a traumatic experience, so taking preventative measures is critical. In addition to installing safety features, practicing defensive driving is essential for road safety. Being a responsible driver entails avoiding distractions, maintaining a safe following distance, and obeying traffic laws. Being cautious not only protects you and your passengers, but also sets a good example for other drivers on the road.

The History of the Automobile Is Fascinating

The automotive lifestyle is about more than just the present; it is also about appreciating the automobile's history. The history of the automobile is a fascinating subject, ranging from the invention of the first car to the development of the modern automobile. Learning about the automotive industry's forefathers and the evolution of automobiles over time can help you appreciate the hobby even more. The history of the automobile is a rich and complex subject, ranging from the rise of the automotive industry in Detroit to the influence of European sports cars. Understanding the cultural and economic factors that shaped the automobile can provide a fresh look at the role of automobiles in our lives.

Technology Is Changing the Game

The automotive industry is constantly changing, and technology is playing an important role in that change. From electric vehicles to self-driving cars, the automotive industry's future is exciting and full of possibilities. As technology advances, so does the way we customize and maintain our vehicles. Staying up to date on the latest trends and advancements can help you stay ahead of the curve and make the most of your automotive experience. With technology driving the automotive industry's future, who knows what new innovations will emerge?

Customization, maintenance, community, safety, history, and technology are all part of the automotive lifestyle. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer, these six factors are critical to fully embracing the automotive lifestyle.

Stainless steel is a versatile material that has found applications in a wide range of industries, including the automotive industry. Because of its durability, strength, and corrosion resistance, it has become a popular choice among automotive manufacturers. This article will go over the benefits of using stainless steel in the automotive industry, as well as some of its applications.

Advantages of Stainless Steel in the Automotive Industry

The durability of stainless steel in the automotive industry is one of its primary benefits. It can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it an excellent material for automotive components. Stainless steel also has a high tensile strength, making it resistant to breakage and deformation under high pressure or impact.

Another advantage of using stainless steel in the automotive industry is its resistance to corrosion. The automotive industry is known to use a variety of chemicals in the manufacturing process, and stainless steel can withstand this exposure without deterioration. Because of this property, stainless steel is a popular material for chemically exposed components such as fuel tanks.

Moreover, the use of stainless steel in the automotive industry may have environmental advantages. Stainless steel is a highly recyclable material, which means that at the end of its life cycle, it can be reused and repurposed. This reduces waste while also promoting a circular economy. Additionally, because stainless steel components are more durable and resistant to corrosion, they may require less frequent replacement, which can reduce waste and conserve resources. Manufacturers can create more sustainable vehicles with lower environmental impact by using stainless steel in automotive components.

Stainless Steel Suppliers in the Automotive Industry

In addition, stainless steel suppliers are essential in the automotive industry. They supply high-quality stainless steel to automotive manufacturers, which is required in the production of automotive components. Suppliers of stainless steel make certain that their products meet the required specifications and are delivered on time.

Automobile manufacturers should consider factors such as the supplier's reputation, product quality, and delivery times when selecting a stainless steel supplier. They should also ensure that the supplier can supply stainless steel that meets the specifications of their automotive components.

Reputable suppliers in the automotive industry can provide value-added services such as custom fabrication and finishing in addition to high-quality stainless steel products. Custom fabrication ensures that stainless steel products are tailored to the needs of the automotive manufacturer, while finishing services such as polishing, coating, or plating can improve the appearance and durability of stainless steel components.

Stainless Steel Applications in the Automotive Industry

Stainless steel has been used in a variety of automotive components such as exhaust systems, catalytic converters, and fuel tanks. Stainless steel exhaust systems are becoming increasingly popular due to their durability and corrosion resistance. They are also lighter than other materials, making them ideal for sports cars and other high-performance vehicles.

Catalytic converters, on the other hand, are critical in lowering vehicle emissions. Because of its corrosion resistance and ability to withstand high temperatures, stainless steel is an excellent material for catalytic converters. Furthermore, it is simple to shape into various shapes, making it ideal for custom-made catalytic converters.

Stainless steel fuel tanks are also becoming increasingly popular in the automotive industry. Stainless steel fuel tanks are highly corrosion resistant, making them ideal for use in trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles used in harsh environments. They are also lighter than traditional steel fuel tanks, which can help with fuel efficiency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, stainless steel has become an important material in the automotive industry. Its strength, durability, and corrosion resistance make it an excellent choice for a variety of automotive components. What's more, its resistance to chemicals and extreme weather conditions has made it a popular choice among automotive manufacturers.

Stainless steel has been used in a variety of automotive components such as exhaust systems, catalytic converters, and fuel tanks. Automotive manufacturers should think about partnering with reputable stainless steel suppliers to ensure that they receive high-quality stainless steel that meets the specifications of their automotive components.

Because of its unique properties and advantages, the use of stainless steel in the automotive industry is expected to grow in the coming years. It is a material that can assist automotive manufacturers in creating long-lasting, high-quality vehicles that can withstand harsh environments and extreme weather conditions.

The electrical system is a crucial component of any vehicle. It is in charge of supplying power to all of the car's electrical components, including the starter motor, lights, and radio. A vehicle cannot start or operate efficiently without a properly functioning electrical system. We'll go over everything you need to know about a vehicle's electrical system in this article.

Components of the Electrical System

A vehicle's electrical system is made up of three major components: the battery, alternator, and starter motor. When the engine is turned off, the battery provides the initial power to start the engine and powers the electrical components. While the engine is running, the alternator generates power and recharges the battery. The starter motor, as the name implies, is in charge of starting the engine by turning it over until it starts. Other components, such as fuses, relays, and wiring, also play important roles in the operation of the electrical system.

Dealing with a Dead Battery

A dead battery is a common problem for drivers. This can happen for a number of reasons, including leaving the lights on for an extended period of time or having a faulty alternator. In an emergency auto electrical situation like this, having jumper cables on hand to jump-start the vehicle is critical. Connect the red cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery and the other end to the positive terminal of the good battery to jump-start a car. The black cable should then be connected to the negative terminal of the good battery and the other end to an unpainted metal surface on the engine block of the car with the dead battery. Finally, start the engine of the good car and let it run for a few minutes before attempting to start the dead car.

Identifying a Faulty Alternator

A faulty alternator is another common problem that drivers face. The alternator can fail for a variety of reasons, including a faulty voltage regulator or a broken belt. A malfunctioning alternator can cause the battery to lose charge, resulting in a dead battery. Dimming lights, a battery warning light on the dashboard, and difficulty starting the engine are all symptoms of a faulty alternator. If you suspect that your alternator is broken, you should have it checked by a professional mechanic.

Other Components of the Electrical System

Aside from the three main components of the electrical system, there are a number of other components that play important roles in the electrical system's operation. Fuses, relays, and wiring are examples of these components. Fuses are designed to protect the car's electrical components by blowing if there is a power surge. Relays are used to regulate the flow of electricity to various car components. Wiring is used to connect all of the car's electrical components and ensure that they receive the proper amount of power. Regular maintenance can help to ensure that these components are in good working order.

Maintaining the Electrical System

It is critical to keep your vehicle's electrical system in good working order. Regular maintenance can help prevent problems and ensure that the electrical system is working properly. This includes inspecting the battery terminals for corrosion, the alternator belt for wear and tear, and making sure the wiring is in good working order. You can help ensure that your vehicle is reliable and safe to drive by performing regular maintenance on the electrical system.

Consulting the Professionals

When dealing with your vehicle's electrical system, keep in mind that it is a complex system that requires specialized knowledge and expertise to diagnose and repair. If you are having problems with your vehicle's electrical system, you should take it to a professional mechanic who can diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs. Attempting to repair the electrical system on your own can be dangerous and result in additional damage to your vehicle. A reputable mechanic will have the necessary tools and knowledge to quickly diagnose the problem and repair it, ensuring that your vehicle is back on the road as soon as possible.

Any vehicle's electrical system is a critical component. It is in charge of supplying power to all of the car's electrical components, including the starter motor, lights, and radio. Drivers can ensure that their vehicle is reliable and safe to drive by understanding the fundamentals of the electrical system.

Photo by pexels.com

Motor vehicles have a lot of impact on the atmosphere, and car sharing is a convenient and practical way to reduce it. Here are some of the key benefits of sharing a ride instead of firing up your own.

Reduced greenhouse emissions

One of the most immediate benefits of car-sharing is having fewer vehicles in use. That means less gasoline being burned, and fewer car emissions in the air. These gasses significantly contribute to climate change, so cutting down their levels is a great way to decrease air pollution.

In addition, car-sharing means less driving in general per person. When you don’t have your own vehicle to rely on, you won’t be driving for minor purposes like running errands or making short-distance trips. You end up driving fewer miles total and burning even less gasoline. It’s an easy way to reduce your personal carbon footprint.

Fewer material pollutants

When more people share vehicles, less needs to be produced and distributed in the first place. Cars impact the environment throughout their life cycle, from manufacture, through use, to scrappage.

A modern vehicle is mostly made up of steel, with some aluminum, copper, and plastics. Steel is made from iron ore, and plastic is mostly petroleum-based. So, the ecological impact of a car starts with the mining and oil industries.

It continues as long as the car is driven, consuming fuel and releasing greenhouse gasses. Finally, when it has served its course, it ends up in a junkyard. From there, it’s a gamble at how much will be recycled. The steel could potentially be reused to make other vehicles. Aluminum and copper are largely recyclable, but petroleum plastics are more difficult.

The biggest problem is the acid and lead from the batteries. These are corrosive and toxic to both people and the environment. If the car ends up in a municipal landfill rather than a dedicated scrapyard for vehicles, chances are it will be mishandled and a lot of the poisonous substances will end up in the ground and local water.

Photo by Khunkorn Laowisit

Less urban pollution

The biggest environmental problems in cities are typically air, noise, and light pollution. The Australian Academy of Science has written about the health effects of urban noise pollution, including disrupted sleep, acute stress, heart problems, etc. Light pollution also affects sleep, cognitive abilities, and the natural circadian rhythm. Air pollution includes inhaling carbon particles and another combustion residue, on top of the greenhouse emissions.

The primary air pollutants are vehicles burning gasoline. With the engines, honking, braking, and headlights, you have one thing doing three types of damage. Be considerate and use a car share in Australia if you’re visiting and need to get around long-distance. If you live here, consider selling your car and transitioning to a mix of shared rides and public transport.

Reduced fossil fuel consumption

Fuel and oil are some of the largest pollutants out there. The processes of extracting and refining them cause a lot of damage to nature, not to mention economic conflict. To top it all off, they’re in a limited and finite supply.

Fossil fuels are bound to run out. It’s a good idea to be responsible for spending what’s left, and not use it up for private everyday transportation.

Car sharing practices mean fewer cars on the streets. With reduced vehicle numbers, the demand for fossil fuels will drop. That would make it easier to regulate their use and reduce the overall consumption rates.

Photo by Adrien Olichon

More green infrastructure

Effects on infrastructure will take the longest to notice, but they’re possibly the most important long-term effect of car sharing. Less car use in general means less of a strain on the road system and less need for parking space. Most notably, multi-story garages won’t be necessary anymore. The need for streetside parking and regular parking lots will also be lessened.

With less of a demand for parking space and no more need for road expansion, the related expenses will be reduced. Those resources can then be diverted into eco-friendly urban development. Parking infrastructure can be replaced by green spaces. These could be parks, planned lawns, or treelines in business districts and along city routes.

If there’s one thing we can be sure of even in times filled with uncertainties, it’s that people will never stop trying to find the perfect colour for their car. This year has been tough on all of us, and it’s certainly affected our lives to a greater degree than we’re even aware of, so we can’t help but wonder what kind of changes we will experience in 2021. Concerning car colours, some professionals predict they will be much more colourful and refreshing than anything we’ve seen before. Keep the wheel steady, and let’s drive through some of the most interesting facts about car colour trends for the next year.

What have we seen so far this year?

Everything slowed down significantly this year, but white, black, and grey cars have not lost any steam. You probably wonder what attracts us all to these colours and why do we tend to buy everything, not just cars, in these simple, even plain, colours. Some experts say that we connect those hues with technology and that we’re just fascinated by it. Also, they accentuate the edgy design of luxury sports vehicles, and who in the world doesn’t like that? However, this year has made some space for changes and innovation that we maybe didn’t anticipate.

It’s not just about colour, pay attention to textures as well

Together with new colours, different textures will also make their entrance onto this stage and bring something new that car enthusiasts will enjoy considering. Some companies are working on improving false fluorescence and colour travel on their vehicles as well, which can give them a completely new look. However, to make that fresh look last, you can protect your car with some DIY ceramic coating products. Your car will be grateful for the attention it’s getting, and the colour will remain as dazzling as it is.

Painting it in rainbow colours 

Influenced by a US company’s music player of the 2000s, the trend of simple colour and design has continued all throughout 2010s. That’s why this new decade is bound to add some more colour and chromatic hues to our lives, especially after the stress and uneasiness that the pandemic has caused. We will probably see more and more cars painted in red, orange and blue hues, according to some researchers. To make colouring even more unique and personal, Elon Musk revealed his new favourite car colour to be deep crimson. This is a good sign that 2021 will give us novelties and new dynamics when it comes to car colouring.

Why will we turn to these colours?

If years could be assigned a colour, this one would most likely get a dark one, like grey or black, something mournful and depressing. With hopes of finding our way out of those kinds of situations, we usually turn to something cheerful and ecstatic. This is why designers predict that new vehicles will be painted in colours that project a positive mood. If we turn to colour theory, we can see that, for example, red symbolizes strength and power, and in some cultures, it’s the colour of happiness and wellbeing.

How do people predict something like this?

It’s not just a social framework that researchers take into account when making such predictions, but also colour popularity and industry developments, as well as other factors like urbanization and digitalization shifts. They also pay attention to the industry and development of e-cars and new technologies. Besides that, thinking about colours that were popular in the past can help designers make predictions with a stronger assertion. This year proved to be quite challenging in many areas, thus making predictions of any kind has never been this difficult, as everything has to adjust to these rapid changes that occur on an everyday basis.

All in all, 2021 will bring a lot of innovation to our lives, and we should be ready to accept and embrace them, no matter how different they might be compared to what we’re used to. Younger generations will continue to have their say in setting new trends, but they’ll also always respect individuality and uniqueness. New technologies will certainly open new possibilities when it comes to finding the right fit for your taste.

Are you itching to travel after months of lockdown? Even if the situation in your country is under control, you might still want to skip planes and other public transportation to avoid the spread of Covid-19. Luckily, you can turn to your personal vehicle and organize a nice road trip that will satisfy your need for travel. However, to stay safe and comfortable on the road, here are a few easy hacks to keep your car clean mile after mile. 

Bring a trash can

Your priority is definitely having a working car during your trip, but you also want to keep it clean and trash-free even after drive-through stops. And what’s the best way to ensure cleanliness? A trash can! While you can’t opt for anything too big, you can grab a plastic cereal container with a lid, line it with a plastic bag and that’s it. You’ll have and airtight and spill-free travel trash can perfect for food wrappers, used masks, wet wipes and other garbage you don’t want to touch. 

Grab a caddy for organizing

If you and your passengers can’t go without snack, drinks and games, expect to have a lot of things lying around your car. To prevent this mess, get a dime-store shower caddy and use it for storing everything from sandwiches and soda cans to drawing supplies for kids. If your backseat passengers get demanding, you can provide them with their own sorting system in the form of a shoe organizer hanging from the front seat. These are perfect for storing toys, snacks and bottles. 

Pack some cleaning supplies

It’s a great idea to clean your car a little during stops. You can remove crumbs from the seats, wipe down spills and dust, remove those stale fast-food smells and even keep the virus away with proper wet wipes. Also, don’t forget to keep your car clean from the outside—this is crucial for safety and car durability. Grab a few handy Undrdog Surface Products and give your car a quick rub down. A proper soap and cleaning pad will take up minimal space yet allow you to quickly and efficiently remove dust, mud, water stains and other dirt from your car’s exterior. 

Protect your seats

If you know there will be spills and crumbs all over the seats, protect them with fitted sheets. Grab a big sheet with an elastic rim and throw over the back seat. And don’t worry about buckling up or installing your child’s seat—make a small hole for the seatbelt or freely install the safety seat over the sheet. When your road trip is over, just throw the sheet in the washer. 

Line your cup holders

Are you sick of dirty cup holders? These are notoriously hard to clean, so it’s better to prevent your cup holder from filling up with crumbs, dust and other dirt. How to do this? Grab a few cupcake wrappers to line your cup holders and just throw them out when they get gunky. 

Keep the change in check

Do you always have loose change floating around your car but never seem to be able to find any when you need it? Solve this problem with a candy tube! Fill the tube with change and keep it in your glove compartment. This way, you’ll always have change ready for tolls. 

Don’t worry about taking your dog

Are you unsure about taking your dog on your road trip in fear of ruining your backseat? Well, invest in a doggy hammock that installs all over the back seats. This thing will allow your dog to be safe and comfortable and your seats will be fur-free. 

Road trips don’t have to be messy and leave your car in a horrible condition. If you adopt these cleaning tips, you’ll have a smooth, safe and hygienic road tip! 

If you live in a climate that boasts cold winters, as most of us do, you are probably aware that you need to prepare your car for what’s to come. Most tasks are related to prevention and they are extremely important if you want to be as safe as possible while driving. After all, you don’t want to endanger your life or lives of other people because you were too lazy to make sure your car is ready for cold, snowy and icy conditions on the roads. So, here are some of the most useful tips that should keep your car in the best possible condition during the winter season.

Oil replacement

It’s very important to change the oil in your car regularly, especially during the winter. Make sure you consult the owner’s manual and see what type of oil is recommended by the manufacturer and stick to the instructions to the letter. Basically, you’ll need a thinner oil in the winter, which means you might need to use a different type altogether.

Engine coolant

Another thing you have to inspect is the quantity and quality of coolant (antifreeze) in your car. While many drivers opt for a 50/50 ratio of coolant to water in normal weather, they tend to go for 60/40 in the winter. Also, make sure you have enough coolant in the system if you want to avoid damaging your engine, which might cost you a fortune.

Check the battery

You are certainly familiar with a sight of a driver trying to start their car on a cold winter morning, but without success. The reason is that your engine needs more current from the battery in low temperatures in order to start, which is why your battery has to be functioning perfectly.  Turn on your headlights before you start the engine and then turn your engine. If the lights get brighter, your battery is probably dying. Even better, if you have a voltmeter, use it to measure the voltage. Alternatively, you can take your car to your mechanic, who can also inspect brakes, cables for cracks and the battery fluid.

Protect the bodywork

Just like you need to make sure the engine and other parts of your car are fully functional, you should do the same when it comes to the bodywork. One of the best investments is to have quality paint protection film installed, to protect not only the paint, but also the car from light scratches and contaminants, such as bug splatter and bird droppings. Such a film prevents your car from discolouring, which is a common problem with many brands, especially their older models.

Get your washer fluid and windshield wipers ready

You need to make sure you have a good washer fluid with an antifreeze solution in the winter, since regular fluids won’t do well in freezing temperatures. Generally, it’s a good idea to replace your windshield wipers at least once a year, but you may need to do it more frequently, depending on wear and tear. You don’t want to find yourself stuck with old wipers when the first big snow storm hits.

Check your tires

One of the more important things to check before the winter are the tires. Needless to say, they have to be in perfect condition to provide the best service. You should always make sure you have the right type of tires for each season. You might need to get tires with studs if you drive in perilous conditions. Also, the pressure in the tires should be checked regularly. Finally, exercise caution when pressing the gas pedal and don’t slam on your brakes.

Keep your gas tank filled

You know that you shouldn’t let your gas tank get completely empty ever, but this is even more important in the winter. The cold weather can cause condensation to form in an empty or nearly empty gas tank. That water then can drip down into the gas and sink to the bottom where it might get into your fuel line. You can only imagine the damage that can occur. So, make sure you have at least a quarter of the tank full at all times.

Maintaining your car is extremely important if you want it to serve you well and provide maximal safety. Winter conditions can be very dangerous and it takes a careful driver and a fully-functional car to deal with them. While your experience and skills might be limited, you mustn’t let your car be unprepared for such conditions!

No matter how much money you’ve set aside to buy a new car, you’re bound to have some fears. The most typical ones are related to being ripped off, i.e. being tricked into overpaying. This is perfectly normal, since most of us can’t afford to spend so much money and not get our money’s worth. So, what is it that we should know and do when the time comes to buy a new car?

It’s an investment

Needless to say, purchasing a car is one of the biggest investments we are forced to make every few years and we don’t want to see our hard-earned cash go down the drain. We keep hearing stories of people being ripped off or paying too much, we compare the prices of similar models and try to find the best deal. We are happy to learn that we’ve paid less than someone else for the same quality.

This is all fine, but we tend to forget more important things. To begin with, are you getting the car you want and need? Can you afford the maintenance? What mileage do you normally cover and does your car need heavy investment to make it safe and reliable? These are all questions you should be asking yourself before you look at the price.

Financing terms

We often tend to forget to see the big picture when it comes to the total price we’re paying for the car. We celebrate a small victory when a car dealer agrees to lower the price, but we conveniently forget, for example, that the smaller the downpayment, the higher the interest rate. Choosing a wrong deal can easily turn out to cost us more that the quoted price.

Of course, it’s best to use cash or an interest-free loan arrangement, but not many are able to do that. Plan B is to put as much downpayment as possible and choose loans no longer than 3 years.

We overspend… time

Some statistics show that people tend to spend much more time shopping for a car, even though there are specialised companies helping us quickly buy and sell cars. People waste too much of their own time looking for the best deal, that at the end they may end up wasting more time, i.e. money, than they think they’ve saved. Of course, it all depends on how much you value your time. The more you value it, the more money you’ll lose by spending countless hours unnecessarily looking for the best possible deal. On top of it all, you may fail to find what you’re looking for and get really frustrated.

Looking at the big picture

Having a car costs so much more than the price you pay to make it your own. You need to calculate how much money you’re going to need for maintenance, petrol, insurance, etc. Plus, you need to make sure you have a reliable mechanic somewhere close, so that you don’t have to pay through your teeth for towing in case something goes wrong. Some statistics show that the average length of car ownership is around 5 years, so it might sound unrealistic to plan to have the same car for ten years or so, especially if you’re planning to expand your family.

Too many cars to choose from

We are now spoiled for choice when it comes to pretty much everything. From flavoured bottled water to cars, there are hundreds of different products on offer and this may be overwhelming to many. This is quite understandably because there’s more pressure on buyers to make the right choice. And once they finally choose a car, if it doesn’t live up to the expectations, the once-proud owner gets frustrated and depressed. So, try to remove that pressure and focus on what you need and what you can realistically afford. Everything else is secondary.

As you can see, what should be a happy moment for everyone can easily turn into a nightmare, but it doesn’t have to be the case. The most important thing is to remain realistic and remember that it’s you who’s buying a car and not the other way round.

It’s that time of the season when every business owner ponders the next year strategy while buying the presents. Maybe, you are one of those entrepreneurs who can’t focus on celebrating holidays due to the lot of thinking. If it’s true, you are definitely not alone in this. Automotive industry in whole and car buyers shopping behavior have changed drastically during the last years. At the end of 2017 many auto dealers ask themselves two questions:

What to improve in 2018?

How to avoid overspending on it?

There are tons of automotive software on the market, but you definitely don’t want to overspend on redundant technology that won’t improve your business.

Here is the list of car dealer software spending money on which will be worthwhile in 2018.

Responsive Dealer Websites (RDWs)

Responsive design bridges the gap between your a uto dealer website and mobile, laptop or tablet users. The result of this construction is new leads for you and good user experience for your customers. The quality of visitor’s interaction with your online inventory affects the whole impression of your business. If you can’t provide your customers with decent inventory displaying, they will doubt your ability to provide them with good, reliable cars.

A responsive dealer website resizes the layout by using fluid, proportion-based grids and flexible images. Regardless of the device your inventory is being viewed on, customers won’t have to “catch” the images and vehicle description. Every page of your website will be adapted automatically.

Responsive web design was already a must in 2017, but you still have time to switch to it. Include this investment into your 2018 budget and you won’t regret it.

Vehicle condition reports

Every dealer has a list of wishes for the upcoming year, we bet you have it as well. One of the wishes is to widen the reach and attract non-local buyers. Such kind of prospects differs from the local one and requires different approaches. On the one hand non-local buyers can’t visit your showroom to inspect the condition of the vehicle thoroughly, but on the other hand very few people would buy a car in ignorance of its state. This dilemma can be solved by online vehicle condition reports. It is the car dealer software that allows dealers to upload the detailed information about the each part of the vehicle with respective photos attached. Customers can see the vehicle general grading and the minor grades of its separate parts and areas marked with the color. With vehicle condition report customers will see the car from all its sides and get the evaluation of every part. They will be able to compare not only the exterior and interior of the car, but the condition of its every detail.

By putting your money into condition reports, you build consumer trust — the first step towards long-term relations.

Live Video Streaming

Video is one of the most powerful marketing tools for auto dealers, it retains customer attention longer and leaves a trace in his memory. As the proverb says, a picture is worth a thousand words. We can add, that a video is worth a million of them. Instead of only talk business, you can show it to your customers.

Live Video Streaming™ is an automotive software that enables you to give your customers the live video tour of any vehicle at your dealership. During such tours you can answer customer questions, give additional information and show any car detail on viewer’s demand.

You can set the camera into the cabin and showcase the live test-drive to non-locals. Customers will be able to make their decisions online without showing up at your dealership.

Closing words

There are a lot of changes ahead of us for sure, and nobody can tell what 2018 is going to bring. However, with responsiveness, online vehicle condition reports and video streaming software dealers can future-proof their business and improve their sales in the upcoming year.

Source: https://www.autoxloo.com/blog/which-automotive-software-is-a-good-investment-in-2018.html

As we gear up for 2018, we’re providing you with a powerful white paper. While everyone knows the power of women buyers, are you aware of how women are impacting your business?

• What percentage of your business is generated by women?
• What percentage of your leads are generated by women?
• What percentage of your service drive business is generated by women?

Clearly, you can’t grow what you don’t know!

The average new car dealer sells 819 vehicles annually to women. But if you don’t have a benchmark for tracking this, how can you improve sales to this growing segment that now buys 4.5 of every 10 cars, especially in a more challenging retail climate?

The white paper Behavior Economics: Increase Sales to Women by $2 Million provides a clear road map to crack this code in two key areas:

1. Five easy steps to train your sales advisors to adapt, coach, and motivate them to adopt new attitudes and behaviors to engage this buying segment.
2. New tracking metrics to gauge and propel your store to cultivate sales to women and families and be a destination dealer.

DOWNLOAD YOUR WHITE PAPER NOW

Want to differentiate your store from others and grow your top and bottom line numbers? Women are now buying 45% of all cars at new car dealerships, which translates into an average of 620 new and used vehicles combined annually.

What processes can be implemented for ups, guests, and women shoppers to optimize their experience at your dealership, especially the ones who walk in and say they’re just looking? Do your front-line people think these guests aren’t serious and ignore them or does your store have a process to engage these shoppers after a few minutes?

A simple action like taking the time to upsell the dealership by offering a 3-minute tour of the facility, explaining that your service hours are the best in the area, can make a big difference. Give guests a coupon for a free car wash and explain that overnight cars are provided in your service area. All of this demonstrates that you care, that you’re selling more than cars, you’re selling futures.

Download the Dealership 2020 white paper and get the insights and real-case scenarios about how your dealership can begin tapping into more sales to women.

DOWNLOAD THE WHITE PAPER NOW

Never miss a chance to sell your dealership—get 8 steps to have your business be The Destination Difference™ in your area or region. Start implementing shifts now and get ahead of the trend.

LEARN MORE

Reshaping The Industry’s Economy
The millennial. Individuals born between 1980 and 2000 comprise ‘one of the largest generations in history’. In a recent article “Millennials Coming of Age”, by Goldman Sachs, millennials are not only poised to reshape the economy, but are about to move into prime spending years. Millennials overtook Baby Boomers, ages 51 to 69, as the largest generation according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Women of all age groups are buying 4.5 out of every 10 vehicles. However, of those millennial buyers, 53% are women. Honing in on what factors contribute to car purchases made by millennial women can help dealerships step into a larger market share.

How Millennials Stand Out From The Crowd
What makes millennial women stand out from non-millennial women? According to Women-Drivers.com, millennials ranked price, style, brand, color and warranty as top factors for car purchasing. Trustworthiness and respect ranked as the top two reasons to buy from a sales advisor. Additionally, millennials who are adept at using reviews in many product categories, use car dealer reviews readily to help them locate what dealerships to do business with.

Millennials Are Digitally Engaged with Dealers
Since millennial buyers have grown up with the internet and smartphones, they are highly connected with social media. Goldman Sachs states that 44% of millennials text message, 16% blog, 38% instant message, and 38% are engaged in social media. For example, Women-Drivers.com reports that social interaction is critical:

• 44% of millennial respondents viewed a dealership’s Facebook page, an average of 10% higher than non-millennials.
• 67.5% of millennials furthered to “Like” a dealership’s Facebook page, an average of 10% higher than non-millennials.

One takeaway would be that millennial women are more evaluative that non-millennial women. Additionally, millennial women are open to using dealer’s social communities.

Social Selling Sales Advisors
Connecting with this group means engaging a generation that places effort to find answers within an electronic style of communication. A style that’s silent but not soft-spoken, educational but not elusive, and often promotes multitasking. Their energies are to be reigned in with true and genuine interest.

Millennials interact with Instagram, Twitter and Facebook as social media mainstays. What are sales advisors doing to grab ahold of a portion of engagement? Smart sales advisors build leads off their successful sales relationships. They ask for the referrals and reviews, and the satisfied customer happily provides. Behind the scenes lay electronic connections ready and waiting. “Friend” or “Follow”, those requests and actions taken upon referred names create a plethora of potential customers. Social profiles built by sales advisors with the intent of building leads is becoming a new system of lead generation.

Be Personable and Prosper
Our data reports that millennial women travelled further to visit showrooms and are less likely to shop the nearest dealership. Goldman Sachs points out in its article that millennials have less money to spend, while industry reports show that younger buyers have little interest in negotiating the purchase price. Sales advisors could capitalize on their discussions with millennial women and secure a more decisive market.

Does your advertising speak to this segment specifically, and not just have a women spokesperson on a sports TV or weekend ad? Listen to the millennial woman and bring the showroom tour into a vision of comfort, longevity, service center and multitasking lounge that serves as a hub for the busy woman scheduling around work, school and personal time. Become the dealership that cares about the millennial women buyers and prepare to excel in your sales across the board by applying the principles of being personable, relatable, and interactive.

‘Buying a car’ versus ‘shopping without buying’ emits a varied set of emotions for women car buyers.

A new Women-Drivers.com study reveals that when there is money in the game, emotions dial up with the heightened sense of commitment. The data reported by women in the 2017 US Women’s Car Dealership Report shows that is it only natural when buying a big ticket item that the buyer's excitement level escalates.

But there’s more than that.

When Purchasing, women report:

• Confidence wanes by 9 percent
• Nervousness goes up by over 10 percent
• Feeling Overwhelmed increases
• And, more.

5 Ways to help Position the Value of your Dealership and Bolster Women’s Confidence
The chances of an under-confident woman recommending your dealership to friends or family is not very high and, in fact, her negative emotion(s) could result in an unfavorable review. Buying a car is a big decision for anyone, and the sales process includes a series of emotions that can be positive or negative and can be greatly influenced by your sales team. Learning how to turn an apprehensive shopper into a happy, satisfied buyer will pay off now and in the future.

Women are buying 4.5 out of every 10 new cars. Business is competitive.

Make Selling, Advertising, and Marketing to them a priority.

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Industry experts tell us that car buyers go to 1.6 dealerships to buy a vehicle.

From the Women-Drivers.com 2017 US Women’s Car Dealership Report, we find that number to be true for half of women car buyers. The other half report a very different answer altogether. An amazing forty-six percent of women car buyers are going to twice the industry average, or 3.2 dealer visits.

Which begs a few questions:

1. Are the industry experts talking to enough women when conducting their research?
2. What evidence do you have that the women coming into your store are buying from you? Do you track guests that are overlooked and leave? Do you measure these lost sales and put new behaviors and practices in place to re-capture them?

In the “How Many Car Dealers Are Women Buyers Visiting” white paper, learn that 60% of women who leave a dealership without buying, do not return. Understand what the top 5 reasons are for not buying at a dealership – do any of these sound familiar when women leave your store?

Discover what top dealerships are doing to earn her buy-in and create the right conditions for the sale on the first visit. Sixty-two percent of women report that they return to the dealerships where they first purchased their vehicles to then have them serviced. This highlights the potential to grow value among this critical market segment.

Download your copy of the report

Sixty-two percent of women report that they return to the dealerships where they first purchased their vehicles to then have them serviced. This highlights the potential to grow value among this critical market segment.

Changing family dynamics have put women squarely in the driver’s seat with an estimated one-half of all cars sold being purchased by women who are then directly responsible for decisions involving vehicle maintenance and service appointment scheduling.

This makes offering post-sales service on her terms a value proposition worth embracing.

It All Adds Up
From our 2017 US Women’s Car Dealership Report, game-changing data offers a new view of the Top 15 service drive brands rated and ranked by 4,653 women when at their dealerships.

Dealer Satisfaction Scores – High trust and comfort levels are must haves for women.
Fixed Operations Income – Service alerts and courtesy vehicles keep her coming back.
Future Purchase & Referral Rates – Listening without interrupting earns repeat business and valuable referrals from her.

Service, Please!
Becky Nixon, an industry authority and Director of Fixed Operations Training for David Lewis & Associates, offers the following:

“Psychologists tell us that women are generally detail-oriented and inquisitive by nature. Convenience being the key, all recommended repairs or maintenance must come with an honest and definitive timeline attached.”

Women who buy from Women-Drivers Certified Trusted Dealers confirm this. They want their questions answered, cars serviced in a timely manner and a service experience that makes them feel good. Making women feel heard, appreciated and understood goes a long way toward earning their repeat business—and referrals. And, very positive reviews.

The Last Word – Distinguish
There already exists a time frame for women to return to their original dealership for recalls or mandatory service visits associated with vehicle warranties. To keep them coming back after those years have passed, it’s imperative to offer relationship-building perks which distinguish your brand, like:

• Free car washes or annual ‘we-appreciate-your-business’ detailing offers.
• Comfortable seating in lounge areas, Wi-Fi connectivity with nearby power outlets, entertaining play areas for children, and clean restrooms.
• Refreshment stations stocked with quality coffee, tea, water and healthy snacks.

Adopt marketing strategies that speak to women’s concerns. Your website and e-newsletters are the avenues for targeted messages and selling strategies when they shed light on service offerings of benefits and provide a deeper understanding of maintenance procedures.

Women rely on these resources for links and data that help them assess a potential need for repairs (i.e. worn out windshield wipers, squeaky breaks). Educational content that is aimed at ensuring their families’ safety can boost a dealership’s brand image and trust among women.

Note: Women’s #1 requested concierge item is a courtesy vehicle. What lasting impression are you leaving your female clients in your highest gross margin department?

Today we will preview a CBT News interview where dealers get the inside scoop on interesting data collected from the 2017 U.S. Women’s Car Dealer Trends & Report about the buying experiences, preferences and habits of women.

In the video, the following questions are discussed:

1. What dealers can learn about their female consumer experiences by working with Women-Drivers reputation and rating platform?

2. What are top dealers doing right with women buyers? [3:20]

3. 46% of women report that they went to an average of 3.2 dealerships before buying a car. Why is this? [5:04]

4. The #1 reason women report buying a car at a particular dealership is... [7:20]

5. The #1 digital resource women reported using is the dealer’s website, #2 is the manufacturer. Anne discusses ways to capitalize on this. [9:30]

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

Representing 45% of all car purchases, women are buying 8 million new cars this year, so catering to them is a must. How will you evangelize that your brand is the destination dealership with women+families? It’s time to stoke demand and convert more women shoppers to buyers.