Author: blogger

Car Lock Outs, Hotwiring And Satellite Ignitions

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So many car keys are now remote. That means that rather than turning a metal key in the ignition, your key will emit a radio signal and your car can be started with the push of a button, sometimes while the key is still in your pocket.

Robert Campbell, a locksmith who owns Advantage Locksmith in New York City, talks about car lockouts.

Yodles Q: If you do an auto lockout job, can you start cars once you have gained access?

Roberts A: While there is usually a way to disassemble the steering column and hotwire the cars to start them, that is not recommended because it can be dangerous for the customer who is driving the car while its hotwired. In theory, however, you can hotwire many cars so they are manually put into the on position and the owner can drive it.

Yodles Q: Do you ever hotwire cars for clients?

Roberts A: No. Though we have done it a few times in the past, nowadays that is not something we would ever do again. Today, the design mechanics are far more complicated than they have ever been. There are ways to get peoples cars started by knowing a few tricks such as reversing polarity and stuff like that. But we generally try to stay away from that type of thing. It would have to be extremely extenuating circumstances for us to consider hotwiring. But we have the skills to do so most of the time.

Nowadays however, with OnStar and other navigation systems, a lot of people will have roadside contracts and they can simply call their insurance provider, roadside assistance company or even the dealership and have them send out a signal to open the car wherever they are via satellite.

It is pretty amazing technology. Lets say you left your keys in car in the middle of nowhere. There are no locksmiths for miles around. If you have the OnStar Navigation System, you can call the service provider, whether its AAA or your Audi dealer, and ask for assistance to access your car and they will send satellite signal to your vehicle that will open the locked door. It is all satellite controlled and extremely quick. You may have seen those commercials where they have a navigation system for Toyota: You see the aftermath of car accident, the hood of car is open, smoke pouring out and then you hear the voiceover saying, Hi this is Joe from Toyota. I believe you have been in accident. Are you OK? Shall we send out an ambulance?

So a lot of vehicles now have onboard systems that provide direct communication between the driver and the ownership and dealers. These systems, if in place, can almost guarantee you will never be locked out of your car again.

Audi Q5 car gps installation, Audi Q5 navigation installation guide

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OEM Fit Aftermarket Auto Navigation Installation Guide for Audi Q5

Hey, are you still thinking about how to install a new in car gps? Are you still wondering how to begin?

Here I will introuduce how to install in car navigation. This article is about Audi Q5 car gps. Articles about other cars will come soon…

Here is Audi Q5 nav installation guide ( Car GPS, Audi Q5 headunit installation guide, Audi Q5 car gps installation, Audi Q5 navigation installation guide, auto gps installation guide ), hope you will enjoy it.

1.Use wood/plastic tools to open the decoration board. 2.Use tools to open the outlet. 3.Take out the climate control harness. 4.Loosen the red plate and pull out the wiring harness.

5.Remove the 4 screws used to fix the factory CD player, and take out the factory CD player. 6.Remove the 4 screws used to fix the factory monitor, take out the factory monitor. 7.Remove the screws and take down the metal bracket, be careful with the latch. 8.Stick the touch panel to the factory monitor and install it on the bracket comes with the unit. The crews should not be too tight or it will damage the touch panel.

9.Open the side shield on the passenger’s side. 10.Open the glove box and remove the 3 screws on sight, other 2 screws bellow the golve box beside the outlet need also to be removed, then take down the glove box. 11.This is what it looks like after taking down all the stuff. 12.Use a white paper as clipboard, cut it into the shape of the headunit and determine the postions of the 4 screws.

13.Put the headunit in a chosen place in the glove box, put the white paper in the glove box and and choose a place to fix the headunit then drill holes. 14.This is how it looks like after the above porcessing. (The small opening is for the harness to come through it) 15.To refit the socket of the touch panel, stick double faced adhesive tape on the socket, the tape must exceed the socket a little bit and then stick the panel on the factory monitor. (The socket of the touch panel) 16.For Audi Q5 car gps installation, an active sound system need to be connected so that the sound from Navigation system can out put when using factory CD player. (Active sound system) (1.cut the 4 wires) (Connect the 4 terminals, white to white white/black to white/black) (The white terminal connect to Audi Q5 audio output, insulate the other 3 three terminals)

17.Put the wiring of video output and the touch panel through the opening of the glove box to the monitor.(Plug for factory monitor) (Plug for touch panel)(Connect Video output wiring of the headunit to the car Video wiring) 18.Put the harness of power supply and speaker through to the glove box from the factory CD player.(Connect the harness of the headunit with the car) 19.Fix the headunit in the glove box to the postion chosen before. 20.Put the glove box back after headunit fixed and wiring linked.

21.Connect the refited monitor and put it back in the right place. 22.This is how it looks like after the whole processing finished, Put the speaker special for Navi system in a right place when installing the unit on Audi Q5. Oemcargps – Oem Fit Aftermarket Car GPS Headunit for All Car Make Wholesale.

Auto Restoration 101 Essential Tips for Used Car Restoration

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Car buffs from all over the world know restoring a car is an exciting activity, especially if its a classic. It can be a great activity for anyone including you as youll get to practice your creativity and mechanical skills. Whether youre restoring a newly purchased used car or your old model, here are some things to consider so that you can make the most out of the restoration project. Below is a helpful guide to many of the steps needed before an automobile restoration.

Determine the Type of Project

Before knuckling down your car for restoration purposes, you must list all components that need repair. Your vehicles model and condition will determine just how much restoration is needed. Decide whether its a minimal restoration project or a major one.

Set a Budget

By this time, you must already have allocated a budget for the restoration procedure. No one said the process comes cheap. In fact, if you dont set and evaluate your budget, itll cost you for there are many parts you need to consider. Have a budget set for auto body kits, engine hoist, electrical testers, paint booth, and other car components.

Decide on the Level of Restoration

There are different restoration levels, according to used car dealers in Kelowna. One is driver restoration which is restoring a car back to its operational condition; the street show is for major repairs of a cars cosmetic problems; the show car is the type of repair done for classic models; and the concours involves major overhaul of the car from the interior up to its exterior.

Assess Your Abilities

At this point, you must already decide whether or not youre going to hire a professional to aid you in the restoration of the car. Its hefty work, and isnt ideal for novice car owners. If you think youre fully equipped to handle the job, go for it. But if the whole process is proving to be a little difficult, hire a professional auto restorer as suggested by used car dealers in Kelowna. Some restoration businesses focus on one model or cars made by only one manufacturer. This allows them to focus all their energies on learning as much as they can about a particular car or maker, serving their clientele with expert knowledge that a generic shop may not have.

Keep the Car Well-Maintained

Your goal is to regularly maintain used cars for sale in Kelowna so that they can provide lasting service. Make sure to clean and tune the cars components routinely. To learn more about car restoration, visit autorestoration101.com.

High Mileage Car Leasing – A Good Option

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Yes, but do you have reservations because of the high mileage you drive? Well that’s fair enough, high mileage leases do cost more than low mileage leases. This is simply because cars that have down more miles depreciate more quickly – but this is so whether you lease or buy. Working out the true cost of a car is important. Used cars have depreciated more than ever in the past year. With leasing you don’t have any of the risk of what the car will be worth with say 90,000 miles on the clock in 3 years.

Issues with buying in today’s market

– Finance is more costly and difficult to arrange to purchase a car
– High mileage vehicles can be very difficult to sell. Would you buy a car out of warranty with a high mileage?

Benefits of leasing

– You pay a fixed cost each month which allows you to budget accurately
– You get to drive a brand new car with very little initial outlay
– You can opt for a maintenance package – Great for high mileage drivers as maintenance bills are likely to be higher. You also eliminate any costly and unexpected servicing bills
– You have the reassurance that the car is under warranty (If leasing for 3 years or less)

Vehicle leasing expert Jane Ramsey says ‘Leasing offers good value for money when compared to the true cost of running a car – particularly if you are used to the hassle free experience of a company car scheme.’

We recommend contacting a few leasing companies – as those that are the cheapest at 10,000 miles may not be the cheapest at 30,000.

Instructions For Buying Your First Car

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Buying your first car can be a truly daunting experience. You definitely don’t want to get stuck with some sub par vehicle that you’ve paid way too much for. But it’s often difficult to know where to start, especially if you don’t have someone who knows a little about cars looking out for you. While there is nothing like having a good mechanic friend, there are a few things that you should consider before embarking on your search for the perfect vehicle.

1. This may seem obvious to most, but stay within your budget! Many people make the mistake of looking at cars that are way out of their price range, or worse, actually buying cars that are out of their price range. If this is your first car, you really don’t want to be spending a huge sum of money on it because you’re almost guaranteed to get a few bumps and scratches eventually. Also, you need to consider the added costs that come with owning a car. In addition to any car payments you might have, you will also have to pay for gas, insurance, tires, registration fees and all other general upkeep and maintenance. Cars are very expensive to own so make sure you are looking at cars within your price range.

2. Make sure to choose a car that is suited to your personal needs. Think about the number of passengers you intend to have on a regular basis. This should help you narrow down the size and type of vehicle you should purchase. Also consider how often you’ll be driving the vehicle. You’ll definitely want a vehicle with good gas mileage if you’re planning to drive long distances on a daily basis.

3. Visit a licensed dealer if you aren’t all that familiar with the process of buying a car. It’s best to visit several dealerships so that you can make price comparisons. This way you can protect yourself from being taken advantage of. Also, if you decide to buy a used vehicle, consider requesting a vehicle history report. This way you’ll be able to see if the car has ever been reported wrecked or stolen. You’ll also be able to see if there has been any recalls or flood damage. And finally, remember that prices are negotiable in most cases. So don’t just accept whatever price the salesperson gives you, as it is probably inflated.

4. Once you’ve decided on a vehicle, you’ll have to fill out quite a bit of paperwork. Make sure that you ask plenty of questions on anything and everything you are uncertain of. You should know exactly what is covered under your warranty and how long you’ll be covered for. You should never be embarrassed to ask questions. You’re spending a lot of money, so the dealer should not be hesitant to offer up plenty of information.
Good luck in your search. I’m confident that as long as you thoroughly research your vehicle and all of the steps required to own one, you’re sure to end up with a perfect fit for needs and budget. And if you’re ever looking to save money on repairs, be sure to buy discounted auto parts online, rather from the manufacturer

Company Cars – How Your Company Car Affects The Tax You Pay

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First of all, lets see how Company Car Tax works

If you drive a Company Car, you are liable to pay tax as it is classed as a Benefit In Kind.

Company Car Tax or Benefit In Kind Tax must be paid on your company car if you, or a member of your family, use it for private use. This would include travelling to and from your place of work. If you drive a company van, the rules are slightly different in that you should not be liable for tax if the only private use is to go between work and home.

How much Company Car Tax will you have to pay?

There are a number of things that affect how much Company Car Tax you pay. The Benefit In Kind tax you pay on your Company Car is based on the P11D value of the car (its list price including any extras or options), the CO2 Emissions of the car (the lower the better), the rate you pay tax on your income, and whether your car can run on an alternative fuel. Furthermore, if your employer provides you with fuel and you use some of it for personal travel, you would also be liable for Benefit In Kind tax on this Car Fuel Benefit.

Further Information on Company Car Tax & Benefit In Kind

To help you work out how much Company Car Tax and Car Fuel Tax you will have to pay, why not check out the Company Car Tax Calculator provided by HM Revenue & Customs. Also, there is a Government website all about Company Cars which provides useful information and guidance for both employees and employers. It explains the rules about Tax and National Insurance relating to Company Cars and company car fuel. Changes in the rules relating to Company Car Tax are usually declared at Budget time. If youre interested in finding out how future changes might affect you, take a look at the Governments Forthcoming Changes To Car Benefit site.

Of course, there is a way to avoid paying Company Car Tax altogether, and its not illegal! If your employer gives you the choice of having either a Company Car or a Company Car Allowance, you could choose the cash alternative, lease or purchase your own vehicle, and then claim an amount back from your employer for business mileage (currently at a Government set rate of 40p per mile). You might like to check out the sister article to this one, called Company Car Or Company Car Allowance – Which Should I Choose?, which explains the benefits and disadvantages of each option.

Rc Car Painting

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RC car painting is typically done using one of two methods: spray cans or an airbrush. Needless to say your skill level will be the ultimate determining factor since most people just arent that familiar with the intricacies of airbrushing. Both methods have their particular idiosyncratic advantages and disadvantages, however.

RC car painting via spray cans is the choice of many not only because they either dont have access to an airbrush or know how to use one, but also because it can be done quickly. A huge amount of space can be covered relatively quickly with a spray can. But RC car painting isnt the same thing as changing the color of a flag pole.

You want to be proud of that car and make it look as good as it runs. Although personalizing and detailing can usually done much better by airbrush, if you take your time and plan ahead, your spray can RC car painting can wind up looking quite impressive.

Of course, RC car painting with an airbrush is ultimately what you should aim for. The benefits of using an airbrush is that you have access to so many more colors than you can get from using spray cans. And thats saying a lot, because even if you do choose to use spray cans, youll still have over fifty different colors from to pick. But when RC car painting with an airbrush, you can exponentially expand those choices through mixing and blending.

In addition to more flexible use of coloring, airbrushing also affords more control in application. Unlike spray cans, an airbrush can be adjusted, allowing you to spray the paint as thickly or thinly as you like.

The downside to using an airbrush, besides your own level of artistic ability, is cost. For RC car painting with an airbrush youll need a compressor. You can try using canned air to begin with, but youll quickly find yourself spending more money than you planned on saving because they empty pretty quickly. Better to shell out for an actual compressor, preferably one that produces 25 to 70 psi. By pass the 1/8 HP hobby compressors and go for the HP. Since most RC car painting is now done with next generation water-based paints, also make sure the compressor comes with a moisture trap; if it doesnt, youll quickly find car covered in thick gobs of paint.

RC car painting with an airbrush requires not just air, obviously, but brushes. Ideally, you will want to own more than one brush, but since they can be pricythe good ones anywayyou may just want to start off with one. The reason for owing two is pretty obvious. RC car painting at its finest creates a work of art that combines both thick lines and fine lines, therefore you want a brush for both thicknesses.

In addition, the paint itself comes in various thickness and some of the finer brushes just handle the thicker paints at the psi the compressor puts out. RC car painting with an airbrush obviously requires more effort, time and expense than RC car painting with spray cans, but the end result usually shows.

Costarica-RentalCar Tells Visitors To Costa Rica They Offer The Best Car Rental Services!

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Costarica-RentalCar.Com, Costa Rica’s leading car rental company, is today announcing to visitors to Costa Rica they offering the the best terms for car rentals, among Costa Rica car rental companies.

-If you are looking for a very affordable Costa Rica car rental from a reliable company, look no further, as Costa Rica Rental Car provides all you need for -no hidden fees-, hassle-free travel, combined with exceptional service -and free extras besides,- said Juan Luis, CEO of the Rent a car Costa Rica.

-It begins the moment you arrive at our San Jose airport,- he added.

For persons who are planning to travel to Costa Rica for any extended period of time, renting a Costa Rica airport car rental is usually the most economical way to get around, as it allows the visitor the freedom to explore the country as and when they can, as well as plan activities according to their convenience and leisure.

-Whether visiting for a day, a week, a month, or even a year, according to Luis, it would be a wise choice to first check with San Jose Costa Rica rental Car Company. Our Rent cars Costa Rica services are being prominently displayed at San Jose airport, where we offer our visitors free ride to and from the airport at the end of your stay,- explained Luis. You can click here to visit their website CostaRica-Rentalcar.Com to look for details about their service and offers.

Arguing that renting a car in Costa Rica can generally become expensive, but Luis said that’s not the case with them. -At car rentals Costa Rica, we offers the most affordable packages throughout the island, and is readily available, making the entire process both easy and affordable,- he said.

With their -no hidden fees- guarantee, Luis said car rentals Costa Rica helps visitors track their budget, as the price they quote is the price the visitor will pay, and there is no surprise additional fees.

-No matter your itinerary, Costa Rica Rental Car has the exact vehicle to suit your rent a car Costa Rica needs, including a fleet of Costa Rica car rental 4×4 vehicles, to take you safely on your off-road adventures,- Luis said.

Visitors to the island may also rent a car Costa Rica by choosing an economy Costa Rica car rental, to ensure that your trips will not cost you a fortune in gas. -Our great fleet of mid-sized SUV cars will set you up for a smooth business trip, allowing you to travel in comfort, with all the space you require for your luggage,- he added.

For further information, please contact: Juan Luis, CEO, 1-800-580-3691, or email at , or Click at Fleet and Rates to check for their offers.

Top 10 Things To Look For When Choosing A Car Leasing Broker

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What is a Car Leasing Broker?

A Car Leasing Broker acts as an intermediary between the Finance Company and the company or person wishing to lease a vehicle. He checks a number of funding providers on a daily basis (similar to an insurance broker) to see which is the most competitive on a particular vehicle. This is in contrast to the Main Dealer who is usually tied to using only his Manufacturers finance terms, which may be uncompetitive.

In addition, due to the large volume of business the Car Leasing Broker introduces to Main Dealers, he has negotiated the best possible discount on the vehicle. This preferential vehicle discount, together with the low Finance Company rate, means that he can usually offer a much lower lease rental than is available direct from a Main Dealer, although there are exceptions such as when a dealer is running a special promotion.

Furthermore, a good Car Leasing Broker can often provide a much higher level of Customer Service and personal attention than either the Finance Company or the Main Dealer, because he is acting primarily on your behalf. He is there to give you any help you may need and to resolve any issues you may have with your vehicle or contract during the course of the rental period, and will help you liaise with the Finance Company if problems arise.

So, what are the Top 10 things to look for when choosing a Car Leasing Broker?

1.Independence a Vehicle Leasing Broker should not be tied to any one finance company or vehicle manufacturer
2.Broad portfolio of finance company funding partners to ensure the most competitive quote a broker should be well placed to compare the market to find you the best deals
3.Member of the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA). This accreditation means that a Broker must offer you the highest levels of service, honesty and integrity, and must handle any customer issues promptly and efficiently (conciliation service is available if necessary)
4.Well established business with a proven track record ask to see testimonials from satisfied customers
5.Should be able to supply all makes & models of cars and commercial vehicles, and offer all the main types of Business Car Leasing and Personal Car Leasing Contracts your one-stop shop
6.Should be happy to give free impartial advice on the most suitable option for each individual customer, including VAT & company car tax (e.g. helping private individuals opt out of their Company Car Scheme)
7.Should keep you fully informed as to the progress of your order and provide one convenient point of contact for all your queries or issues about your vehicle or contract, so you have no need to contact the finance company or supplying dealer directly.
8.Should offer Free Delivery to your home or office, and Free Collection at termination of contract
9.Should offer pooled mileage arrangements, as this could potentially make substantial savings for companies with a number of vehicles
10.Should offer a full range of Car Leasing services including Fleet Management, Maintenance Contracts, Accident Management, Duty Of Care legislation compliance, Gap Insurance, Fuel Cards and Short Term Rental

So, its definitely worth speaking with a reputable Car Leasing Broker if youre looking for a competitive leasing quote and you value good Customer Service.

Car Leasing Guidelines – How To Lease A New Car

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Whether you lease a car to get into the latest models or have better purchasing flexibility, getting a good deal is always bound to give you a lift. Use these guidelines to help you spot one:

Check incentives:

Be on the look-out for factorysubsidized lease car deals. Car manufacturers realize that consumers who lease vehicles from them are more likely to be repeat customers than those who simply purchase vehicles. Through their leasing companies, they adjust the residual value and offer low financing charge. Other auto-manufacturers are also starting to give incentives on leasing, called leasing subventions. They offer these subsidies to put slow-selling models on the street, saving you even more money.

Set up a competitive:

Bidding environment to get the lowest price. If you already have an idea in mind of the make, model and trim level of your desired car, attempt to calculate your own lease payment before you go shopping to avoid paying through the roof. Check online comparison tools or use a lease calculator to check your lease payment based on purchase price. This gives you greater negotiation leverage as you solicit quotes from various leasing companies.

Make sure you know all the fees involved at the beginning of your lease: you may have to pay fees for licenses, registration and title. Other fees include acquisition fees, freight fees and local or state taxes. At lease-end, you may have to pay a disposition fee and charges for extra mileage and any excess wear. Be aware that some of these fees like acquisition and disposition fees are negotiable.

Know your mileage needs:

Almost all leases limit the number of miles per year by imposing typically 10 to 20 cents per excess mile over 15,000 miles a year. If you are the kind of high-commuter who puts 40,000 miles a year on his car, then you might end up running thousands of dollars in hefty penalties at the end of your lease. Be smart and negotiate a higher-mileage limit or pad you excess miles at the beginning of your lease to avoid robber tax rates for excess miles.

Almost all leases limit the number of miles per year by imposing fees typically 10 to 20 cents per mile over 15,000 miles per year. If you are the kind of high-commuter who puts a lot miles on his car, then these costs can add up quickly. Negotiate

Include GAP coverage:

Make sure your car lease includes GAP coverage. This covers you in the event of the vehicle getting wrecked, stolen or totaled. Without GAP insurance, you leave yourself wide open to thousands of dollars in leased obligations. Check if the GAP coverage is included so you dont pay it twice.