Statistics On Children Hit By Cars

In the early 1970s, almost 9 out of 10 children living within one mile of school mainly used active transportation to get to school. However, that figure has drastically changed. As of 2001, only 63% of children used that same mode to travel the same distance to school. This decline has been attributed to several factors, such as traffic danger, neighborhood crime, and the distance to school.

The results have been astounding. Automobile usage to and from schools has roughly tripled from 1969 to 2001. In fact, during the school year, the quantity of vehicles on the road between 7:15 AM-8:15 AM increases 30%. Furthermore, during the school year, 20-25% of morning traffic is comprised of parents who are driving their children to various schools.

Interestingly, while the volume of traffic has skyrocketed during recent decades, the rate of child pedestrian traffic deaths has actually decreased! The number of deaths per 1000,000 children was slightly less than 1.5 children, in 1995. By 2002, the figure had dropped slightly over 0.5 children. Similarly, that rate of child pedestrian traffic injuries also decreased during the same period. In fact, the figure was nearly halved during that time! Another interesting statistic is that the pedestrian injury and death rate among children aged 14-years-old and younger, dropped about 50% from 1987-2000, while the same injury and date rate for bicyclists dropped 60%. Some experts have attributed these figures to the corresponding decrease in bicycling and walking among children. Also, these promising figures do not reduce or nullify the need to slow down traffic to improve street safety for kids!

Some other fascinating statistics involving children being hit by cars include:
A 1999 national study revealed that about two-thirds of drivers broke posted speed limits in school zones, within 30 minutes proceeding and proceeding school hours.
A national study revealed that numerous motorists at intersections in school zones and housing neighborhoods disobeyed stop signs. This fact further stresses the need to slow down traffic to augment street safety for kids!
Parents of students hit zero percent of children who are hit by vehicles nearby schools. Yes, zero percent!

Numerous statistics reveal an array of outstanding vehicles that have been manufactured. Nonetheless the figures with the most validity slow down traffic to advance street safety for kids!

The Car Computer Failure Problems

Cars damaged when the computer can pull to repair the computer, the following test tool used to launch x431, lexia3, mb star. Here are some computer malfunction:

The first is part of the computer power supply failure. Generally because the vehicle charging, the charger voltage regulation due to too high, or reversed polarity or charge while opening key, or even start the motor, or engine during operation, causing the battery connector loose generator directly to your computer board power supply and other reasons. This will generally burn high-power components such as voltage regulator diode, change can be relatively easy to repair.

The second is the input / output part of the fault. Amplification circuit element is usually burned, sometimes accompanied by follow-steel lines blown circuit board. For example: a repair shop in Taiwan and USA Chevrolet sedan on a renovation of paint and found that the engine can not start, and if you open the keys over time, gasoline from the exhaust pipe, oil pan, etc. overflow. Open the keys and found that all six fuel injectors are fully open state, gasoline directly from the nozzle into the cylinder, flow over after the overflow, check the external circuit found no problems, it can be concluded that the output of the computer control failure. Detection methods can be used is launch x431. Open the computer case examination revealed nozzle control signals on the amplified high-power transistor has a breakdown short circuit, causing power nozzle that is normally open state. Replacement of a similar type of transistor and clean up after replacing engine oil, the engine can operate normally. To note here: Many EFI vehicles through paint, then start all kinds of faults often occur, because after the car interior through the paint, especially in circuit accumulated heat within the device and heat, and the heat from the inside slowly comes out of the depths, and electrical equipment to work easily in the high temperature failure. Therefore, do not immediately drive the truck out after baking, but should be cooled through the full start, if the production of stress need to free paint room, you can use human power to push the car, let it cool down, the re-start.

A third part is the memory failure. A total of four kinds of memory, read-only memory (ROM) is used to store computer monitoring program that the computer itself, some of the procedures that must be run. Programmable read-only memory (EPROM or EEPROM) is mainly used to store for the implementation of devices or other control devices for the control program. Such as: fuel injection control, ignition advance angle control. Idle speed control and self-diagnostic procedures. Random Access Memory (RAM) for temporary storage of data from various sensors for CPU use; also the fault code storage systems. Random memory contents will disappear after the power failure. Need to know this detection technology lexia3. Adaptive memory (random access memory belonging to a) for the computer’s “self-learning” and in accordance with vehicle speed, automatically adjusts the parameters. Such as “idle learn” and so on. To eliminate the programmable memory (EPROM or EEPROM) problems can be replaced, need to find a well-known memory chip with program content, buy a blank chip with the model, by writer, from the read the original film program, and then to write to a blank chip, new chip can be copied, and then the new chip into the computer. But most car manufacturers are set up to only copy 3-7 times more than the number of after no longer using, and some manufacturers make chips by means of an encryption can not be copied.

Last case is a special failure. Off by the flooding of vehicles, computers plate corrosion occurs, the component pin circuit, adhesion or component damage, can repair or replace components by check. For example: a repair shop received a Cadillac car repair, fault phenomenon: when the normal operation of the engine if the on / off headlights or other electrical equipment, exhaust pipes blasting phenomenon occurs, the exhaust pipe can be serious burst. Better detection technology is mb star. The inspection found that the external circuit is not the problem, suspect faulty computer, open the computer box carefully monitored and found that a ground wire for corrosion circuit, the grounding line is the oxygen sensor signal shielded cable inside the computer grounded through the location, because Duanlu to shielding failure, caused by oxygen sensor signal interference caused by other appliances, with a tin solder through time, that is back to normal.

These are some common computer failures will be encountered in the actual work a variety of fault phenomena, as long as a clear principle, and acquire a certain way, analyze specific issues, finally has a solution.

How To Restore, Paint & Chrome Damaged Car Emblem & Hood Ornaments

Most car enthusiasts want to restore their cars logo emblems for their beauty. Beyond enhancing any cars appearance, original emblems also increase its re-sale value. You can purchase New Original Stock (NOS) emblems via the internet and local car shows, but you can save money by painting the originals you already have. Vintage, cast emblems have paint-filled depressions in a many colors. Most emblems are fastened to the cars metal body parts, and must be removed from the car for restoration. Emblems mounted on the car body feature pegs in the back. Punch holes in a cardboard box and slide emblems pegs through the holes to hold it in place. If you can not remove them, take the car to a body shop.

Car collectors save vintage badges and emblems because original parts are important to the car’s authentic restoration. Many suppliers now manufacture reproduction emblems (especially in China). Most reproduction badges don’t carry those original part numbers. New old stock (NOS) emblems are becoming harder to find, making them more expensive, so always try to save your original emblems!

Tools Needed For This Job:

Soap & Water
Toothbrush (any small brush)
Clean rags
Safety glasses
Safety gloves
Hobby knife
Paint stripper
Small, pointed paintbrush
Model paint
Paint thinner
Steel wool (extra fine)
Chrome polish

CAR LOGO EMBLEM PLATING TARNISH
Is the plating on your original emblems in good condition? If so, matching model paint, a small-pointed paint brush and paint thinner will quickly bring your emblems looking like new again. To find the correct color, take your emblems to the hobby shop with you. NOTE: Model paint needs a temperature of @70 degrees or less to flow well and dry slowly.

CAR LOGO EMBLEM SCRATCHES & CHIPS
Car emblems are divided into depressed areas with metal ribs. You must clean chipped or scratched areas to the bare, smooth metal BEFORE you even attempt to add any new color. If there are only a few chips, they can be scraped down to bare metal with the tip of a small knife. You might need paint stripper to fully clean out some areas. NOTE: Never sandblast chrome, as it will ruin the plating! You can use a toothbrush to remove dirt in the tiniest corners. After you remove the old paint, clean the emblem with paint thinner and wipe it off well with a clean cloth. Now, set it aside to dry completely. Then, wash it with soap and water, and wipe thoroughly again with the clean cloth. NOTE: Always work in a well ventilated area and properly dispose of all used containers and rags.

CAR LOGO EMBLEM PAINT RESTORATION
Before opening, shake the model paint by hand for a couple of minutes. Mix the model paint, making sure it’s at room temperature, so thin enough to flow freely. Pour small amounts into a clean, separate container if you are going to dilute the paint with thinner. Put a drop of paint on the end of the small, pointed paintbrush and gently, slowly place it into the emblem area you wish to paint. NOTE: DO NOT BRUSH or PUSH the paint into the area. Simply allow several drops to flow together and fill the space. If the paint is too thick, it will not flow enough. You must add more paint thinner to the paint bottle to thin it. Then, apply more of the now flowing paint until your area is fully covered. Position the emblem so it is level and let it dry thoroughly before handling. This can take a few minutes, or a few hours, depending on the thickness of the paint. You can use a hairdryer. or CLOSED sunny window, to speed up drying time. NOTE: You must clean the brush thoroughly before you apply a new paint color. Do this by washing the brush in the paint thinner several times.

CAR LOGO EMBLEM PAINT EDGING
Car emblem details are very tiny, so some paint will always end up flowing where it doesn’t belong. Let the paint dry overnight, then scrape unwanted paint off with a small knife. Scrape any spills or uneven paint, including raised edges. Patience is the key to success when working with extremely detailed, small pieces. NOTE: some imperfections were already present in the factory emblems, so youre not seeking perfection now. Emblems are mostly viewed from several feet away, and they look perfect from that distance.

CAR LOGO EMBLEM CHROME POLISH
Now that youve let the paint dry on your entire emblem, the last step is to polish the chrome until it shines like new again. Polish the chrome plating with a small piece of fine, steel wool. NOTE: Carefully avoid touching your new paint job…or you risk redoing it again. You can also apply a little fine chrome polish with the steel wool for extra shine.

Preparing Your Car For Extreme Coldhot Temperatures

Like any piece of machinery, a car needs an extra amount of maintenance and protection during seasons where the temperature spikes or falls drastically. On such occasions, regularly checking your car for damage and necessary replacements such as car seat covers, windshields, engine oil status, and car floor mats, not only lengthens the service life of your car, but also maintains comfort and cleanliness.

Winter / Extreme Cold

Driving through blizzards, iced roads, and chilly air is way different than driving through the bliss of a summer breeze. While safe driving is imperative all year long, driving during winter requires a lot of precaution and necessary steps to ensure optimum car control, safety and comfort.

Speaking of comfort, changing the interior of a car to suit the cold weather is a must. Ditching those old sets of cotton jeep seat covers and switching to sheepskin car seat covers is one of the best ways to keep warm inside a car while a snowstorm is brewing outside. A great addition to provide some warmth inside a vehicle is a car warmer to complement those thick sheepskin jeep seat covers. Apart from generating heat to the cars interior, car warmers also prevent vehicles from icing up and becoming brittle. Placing thick car floor mats can also help insulate your car and create warmth.

Replacing regular tires with winter tires is also a good option to maintain maneuverability of the vehicle whendriving on snow and ice-covered roads. Winter tires offer better grip and road traction because special treads enable the snow to slide off as the tire rolls.

To keep the car engine in tip-top shape throughout the winter, make sure that you put an antifreeze solution in your radiator every day to keep your engine from frosting. A 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze solution at full level every single day will keep your engine running and protected from the biting cold. Keeping a daily track of the engine oil and other motor fluids, such as steering and brake fluids, is also a must to ensure the optimum performance of the car and your safety as well.

You must also stock on windshield washer fluid in conjunction to replacing the wiper blades as you need to keep the windshield clean when driving out. Battery state must also be checked frequently because extreme cold strips the battery of its charge. Washing and waxing the car on a regular basis not only gives the car a boost in terms of looks during the winter, but also protects the body, the chassis, and the tires from salt corrosion.

Extreme Heat

When driving though extremely hot regions, such as deserts, or areas affected by heat waves, it is best that you prep your vehicle and yourself for the significant rise in temperature. Unchecked vehicles cruising through a heat wave may end up with blown tires or melted rubber accessories under the hood. Hoses, engine belts, and tires are made of rubber. Under extreme heat, they can easily cause a total breakdown of your vehicle.

Checking the pressure of your tires not only prevents them from blowing up, but allows you to see if they need to be replaced. Worn-out tires are very vulnerable of blowing up under tremendous heat. Aside from tires, checking the engine for clogged air filters, corroded battery posts and the coolant level of your car before heading out to the road or desert trail is pretty much an imperative.

You can leave air-conditioning out in the equation, as it is the one that provides interior cooling. Checking the status of the air-conditioning systems refrigerant is one way to keep the cooling system running smooth.

Car Games, A Free Bit Of Fun For Your Lunchtime

The fastest growing area in the gaming industry is casual online games and massively popular are online racing car games. You can have hours of virtual fun with a basic personal computer and a broadband connection.

Whether you choose to race on the road, a dirt track or even in the air you’ll nearly always be able to find the type of place you would like to race. Types of cars you can choose range from formula one cars, vintage cars and even yellow taxis!

Most of the online car games are built by developers using a technology called Flash so you need a flash enabled web browser to enjoy them. Web browsers such as Google Chrome and Safari on the Apple Mac have Flash built in. For the more common browser, Internet Explorer on Windows, you will likely need to install the flash plug-in from Adobe if it isn’t already on your machine.

The online games are completely free and available from a variety of websites on the Internet. The easiest way to check if your browser has the correct plug-in installed is simply to go ahead and try playing one. You’ll be prompted to install the additional plug-in if it’s not already installed.
How can these car games be available online for free?

The publishers of car game websites have their overheads including design, development and hosting costs but like many things in this modern age, the revenue from advertising can cover those costs and allow them to provide the online games sites for free.

Many of the online car games available on these sites are developed by organisations for viral marketing purposes. You will notice their brand names and logos throughout the game as you play. Hence these games are provided free to get their brand in front of as many players as possible.

There are also lots of car game developers who simply love to code these games and make them available for free for anyone who wishes to play them. An entire industry has been built up around online games and the excitement of racing making car games some of the most appealing.

Many of the car games websites will keep a high score board allowing you to compete with players all around the world.

So the next time you’ve got some time on you next lunchtime and are looking for a free bit of online fun, just fire up your web browser and Google ‘car games’ to discover the latest games to start playing.

Is It Better To Buy Or Lease A Car After Bankruptcy

If you want to get approved at the best possible terms when buying a car, it’s important you know a car lender’s credit guidelines before you apply for credit…especially if you’re bankrupt.It will save you time and frustrationbut more importantly, it will help you avoid credit inquiries that may lower your FICO credit scores up to 12 points per inquiry.Step 1 in making a lease or buy decision is to determine a lender’s credit guidelines. You start by asking if they lend to people with a bankruptcy. If so, on what terms?That’s right. You have to be upfront that you’ve filed bankruptcy. Don’t hide it. We have to face the fact that some dealers just won’t work with people who’ve filed bankruptcy. So our job is to find the ones that do.Some lenders will only lease to people with a bankruptcy. Others will only offer purchase financing. Yet still others will only lend using a hybrid of the twothis is especially common in Texas.Ask the finance director at the dealership to direct you as to what structure the manufacturer prefers.And here’s a quick tip for you: if your bankruptcy doesn’t appear on the credit report your lender pullsthen, in the eyes of the lender, you’re not bankrupt.The only lenders I would consider using are: – First choice: Captive lenders (car manufacturers) – Second choice: Banks (not finance companies) – Third choice: Credit unionsNinety-nine percent of the cars I’ve leased over the years have been with captive lenders. Just one was leased by a bank.That particular deal came from a conversation I had with Amy, the finance manager at the local Land Rover dealership here in Indianapolis. I told her I was open to her financing recommendations, but I preferred financing through the car manufacturer.I told her my current FICO scores. She immediately said that with my scores she could do better through a local bank. I signed a credit application and told her to go for it.The next day I signed a lease agreement with that local bank. Being open to her advice literally saved me hundreds of dollars a month on that car.So be flexible…but be careful. It seems most car dealers call all of their funding sources banks. When in reality some are banks, some are credit unions, and most are sub-prime finance companies.Here is a list of some of the most commonly used sub-prime auto finance companies: 1. HSBC Automotive 2. Capital One 3. AmeriCredit 4. WFS FinancialYou want to pass on the sub-prime finance companiesunless you have exhausted all other options. Sub-prime lenders should be your last resort.And only use credit unions if they report to all three national credit reporting agencies. How do you find out if a credit union reports to all three credit reporting agencies?Simpleyou ask. Ask the branch manager at the credit union if they report. And after you get the loan, check all three of your credit reports and make sure their trade line appears on each one.The three worst luxury captive lenders to lease or purchase from after bankruptcy are: 1. BMW 2. Mercedes 3. PorscheThe three worst mainstream captive lenders are: 1. Honda 2. Kia/Subaru 3. ToyotaWhat makes these the worst?Once these lenders see that you’ve filed bankruptcy, they are less likely to work with you. However, if they are willing to work with you, they’ll want you to be at least several years from discharge and have perfect credit during that time.Now that I told you how bad the above six lenders arethere are times where they may offer you good deals. For example, if one of the above happens to be the biggest dealer in your area, they may be able to offer you special deals that a smaller dealer can’t.Of course, things change all the time with captive auto lenders. They change their credit guidelines on a whim to meet their own financial goals. So, it’s always a good idea to at least research these dealershipsjust don’t get your hopes up too high.OK, so you’ve done your research and narrowed down your choice to one or two car manufacturers.Step 2 in making a lease or buy decision is to purchase your FICO credit scores. It’s important you have your most recent scores when you talk to car dealers (just like I did with Amy). It puts you in charge.When you enter a dealership with your FICO scores, the dealer will know you’re a more informed consumer and cannot be taken advantage of. Just know that the FICO credit scores auto dealers use are a little different than what we see as consumers. The scores the dealers review are called FICO Auto Industry Option Scores. The good news…these FICO scores may be higher than your normal FICO scores if you paid all previous auto loans as agreed.Some car dealers have told me that if your FICO scores are higher than the scores the dealer reviewsthey may even use your scores to get a better deal. You can buy your scores from myFICO.com.Step 3 is to interview the remaining car dealers on a deeper level. Start by asking them these questions: – Which credit reporting agency do you use to make a lending decision? – What is your minimum credit score requirement to get approved? – What credit score is needed to get the best interest rate? – Do your lenders prefer offering lease or purchase financing to a bankrupt debtor? – What incentives are there to lease or purchase right now?At this point it’s important to remain open to either leasing or purchasing. Evaluate your options and incentives. Remember, you’re buying the financing. In other words, the most important factor is the willingness of the lender to loan you money.I personally view the lease versus buy decision in three ways:1. If you’re recently recovering from bankruptcy, the only thing that matters is if you can get approved at an interest rate you can afford through a lender that reports to all three national credit reporting agencies. So you should only consider lenders that are bankruptcy friendly.2. Once your credit scores begin to increase, you can start selecting cars based on which credit reporting agency the lender uses to determine if you qualify. Obviously, you should choose the lender who uses your highest FICO credit score to make a lending decision.3. When your scores are high enough…or two years have passed after your bankruptcy…or your bankruptcy doesn’t appear on the credit report the lender uses, then you can choose almost any car you like. But make sure you still do your research and use your credit scores to help you compare interest rates, terms and incentives.

Secrets to Sell My Car Fast

There are lots of ways for selling a car and selling it hurriedly at a superior price is not a piece of cake. Most of time people sell their car when they were in circumstances where they necessitate money as soon as possible. Many people want to sell their car in order to get the best price possible. There are integers of aspects to consider while you want to sell your car fast.

Price is the foremost factor to consider while selling your car. Always keep in mind which you will offer to sell your car so that you will catch the buyer who willing to buy your car in close price which offered. Set an evenhanded price that will not entail too much bargaining. Desire a price that is elevated than what you essentially want to acquire so that when you negotiate, it comes downward to your estimated price.

The presentation is also played very important role to sell a car. A striking car will interest more consumers than one that is in a poor condition. Even if it is scrap, it is fine to do some maintenance on its exterior and interior look. If car has some dents and scratches, try to stick them. A car in a meager condition may put off customer, so it will take long time to find a potential consumer. All patrons will select a vehicle that is appealing and alluring. Other equipment that will facilitate your vehicle to sell very fast, at a good price, is if it is en suite with a music system, an anti car theft device and other more accessories.

Selling a car to a corporation that covenant in the sale and purchase of second-hand cars will also facilitate you to get cash quickly. If you formulate a deal with a renowned company, you will be capable to sell it as soon as possible. There are numerous groups that have cash accessible to buy your vehicle on the spot. Sellers just have to contact these companies and provide details of your to them. Most of them will necessitate an assessment of your car. Get proffer from numerous companies, and evaluate them to see best deal a company offering you.

You can also trade you car fast if you consign advertisement in your local newspapers. Use good photographs in the car adverts. Using lucid and superior pictures will be an added benefit. Also offer a clear portrayal of your car and include the estimated price. Do make sure to condition that it is flexible. Many purchasers will take benefit of this to offer you a bit that is much minor than the value of the car. You can also consign this same advertisement on websites in order to get better chances of getting a best deal. The above tricks and guidelines should be followed for the best deals. By following these tips you can able to sell your car fast and very quickly.

Pros And Cons Of Car Covers

There is a lot of information that is already available from manufacturers of car covers to the sellers of these essential car protection commodities. However, rarely would the manufacturers and the sales agents give the dark side of the covers. Read on this article for comprehensive information regarding pros and cons of car covers.

One of the common advantages that the cover will provide to you is protecting the exterior finish from damage. During the season of winter, you wake up and meet a pile of snow on your car in the morning and you are compelled to remove it. When you are scraping off the snow, there is a like likelihood you will scratch the mirrors of the exterior paint finish. Cars that are covered with covers are simpler to remove the snow since you will only require shoving it off and you are good to go.

Cars that are not covered are also vulnerable to destruction by sun rays. The interior decoration of the car gets faded with time. Car covers acts as barrier to sun rays and hence interior decoration lasts longer. There are some covers that are specifically meant for sun protection. These covers are made of shiny materials that are capable of reflecting sunlight away from the car. Other than the internal decoration, sun rays are capable of destroying the surface finish and hence covers should be used to ensure that less destruction is done by the sun.

Car covers are available in vast collection of colors and materials making them easy to customize to clients purposes.

Another merit hat has been attributed t the covers is ability to keep thieves away. Car covers require a lot of time to dismount and store in the car. Thieves are always in a hurry and hence will avoid cars that involve a lot of work- dismounting the cover, folding and storing it; moreover, they will spend more time breaking the door. In addition, thieves will steal valuable property in your car because they are seeing them. Covers hide contents in your car making them safe from heft.

There are some pros attributed to car covers. These pros include choosing the wrong choice. If the car cover is of bigger size, it will accelerate the rate at which the exterior finish of the car degenerates. Big covers are also hard to maintain on the body of the body of the car in windy conditions since they will get blown away.

Another weakness of the covers is in case you choose the wrong fabric type. There are a lot of materials that are used to make these covers. The material used is customized to the kind of weather condition the car is to be protected from. Fr instance, there are some that are suitable for use in rainy conditions while there are some suitable for use in sunny conditions. Do some research to ensure that you get material customized to weather element or destructive material to be controlled?

Beware not to place covers on dirty cars since they increase the rate at which the exterior decoration of the car gets destroyed. As you are removing the net, it will drag pebbles in the surface of the car making the surface to wear out faster.

Classic Car Restoration What to do with a Basketcase Car

Deciding what to do with a basketcase car is one of the toughest decisions for people who’ve already invested time, money, and love into their classic car restorations. At the same time, there are plenty of vintage car veterans who are always ready to finish a difficult project. Whether you want to put the final touches on a half-finished car or you just can’t find the time to complete your own, you need to know how to save yourself time, frustration, and money. Here are a few things to consider before you buy, finish, or sell a basketcase car.

When You Want to Buy a Basketcase

Restoring a basketcase can be a challenging but rewarding experience. However, there are often good reasons why other enthusiasts are eager to get their incomplete hotrods and muscle cars off their hands. Before you invest in an old project, you’ll need to make these important considerations:

*Safety comes first. If the car you’re considering doesn’t even have breaks, an engine, or a steering wheel yet, then you may not have much to worry about. Otherwise, you should test the car in a safe, empty area. You need to make sure the owner is being honest about the car’s reliability and safety – or lack thereof.

*Check the frame and body. Cars that look like they’re on their last legs can sometimes be restored to their previous luster – but only if they still have solid foundations. If a classic car’s frame and body are in decent shape, then there’s good chance you’ll be able to make some headway on its restoration. If not, you’re looking at a bottomless money pit.

*Look for cover-ups. Some restorers and shops will cover large patches of rust and even holes with sheet metal. They don’t always do so maliciously, but unnoticed rust is extremely dangerous. It’s especially important to check for defects in places where larger parts have been replaced.

Sourcing Your Parts

When you’re restoring a barely-finished basketcase, you’ll need to find the best places to get your parts. If a previous owner didn’t get the project finished, it may have been because the necessary components were hard to find, too expensive, or both. Before you even make the purchase, it’s important that you find out how you’re going to get what you need – and what it’s all going to cost.

Once you’ve figured out what parts are necessary, you can check the online inventories of specialty shops across the country. There are also junkyards full of classic cars with parts for the taking, though you’ll need to go in person to see what’s available. Ultimately, you’re going to incur the greatest costs if you need foreign parts or shipping for large items.

When to Call it Quits

Even if you’ve lovingly labored over a classic car for years, there may come a time when you have to move on. A project will sometimes seem too good to be true when you first start – yet it becomes nothing but a financial drain further down the road. Your priorities and interests might also change, leaving you with an immobile heap in your garage or driveway.

Whatever the case may be, you can still get back some of your hard-earned money. Contact a professional classic car restorer now and inquire if they purchase or are interested in purchasing a basketcase project from you.

How To Change A Tyre – Cheapest Quality Car Tyres In Alicante

Alicante Fast-Fit Car Tyre Specialists – How To Change A Tyre

It is best to replace all four tyres at the same time. If thats not necessary you should replace the two front tyres or the two rear tyres as a pair. Replacing just one can seriously affect your car’s handling.

So, to change a tyre…

Park the vehicle on firm, level and non-slippery ground away from traffic. Turn on the hazard warning lights and turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0) and remove the keys. Warning! If the vehicle is in a dangerous or very busy location, ask for roadside or police assistance.

Put the transmission in Park (automatic) or Reverse (manual). Apply the parking brake. All passengers have to get out of the vehicle while you change the tyre. Warning! According to the law and your safety you must wear a high visibility jacket/vest. It is recommended to wear heavy-duty gloves. Wheels and tyres can be hot or, in a blowout situation the source of puncture or wire from the tyre itself can cause injury.

Remove the spare wheel. Spare wheels are usually located under the rear floor of the boot. Tip: Place blocks in front of and behind the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel that you are changing.

Remove the wheel cover or centre cap and, whilst the wheel with the flat tyre is on the ground, loosen all of the wheel nuts 1/2 a turn with the wheel wrench. This will allow you to create more torque on the wheel nuts.

Find the jacking point, as identified in the owner’s manual. Place the jack under the jacking point. Turn the jack handle clockwise until the top of the jack contacts the jacking point. Make sure that the jacking point tab is resting in the jack notch. NB: Use the jack that came on your car. If you try to raise another car by this jack or use another jack to raise your car, the car or jack can be damaged. Warning! Never get under a vehicle when only supported by the jack.

Turn the jack handle clockwise further to raise the car until the flat tyre is off the ground.

Remove the wheel nuts (dont lose them). Top tip: In the event of losing all nuts from one wheel remove one nut off each of the other wheels in order to get you the nearest automotive servicing facility.

Before mounting the spare wheel, wipe any dirt off the mounting surface of the wheel and hub with a clean cloth.

Now put on the spare wheel. Put all of the wheel nuts on finger-tight, and then tighten them in a criss-cross pattern with the wheel wrench until the wheel is firmly against the hub. Do not try to tighten them fully.

Lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the nuts securely in the same criss-cross pattern.

Check the tightness of the wheel nuts after 40-80 km and then on regular basis (recommended by: British Standard).