Automotive

Sometimes we just don’t realise the lengths that people go to in order to get the job done or to create the experience that we as consumers expect. This is never more-true than in the automobile industry where the act of buying a new car is filled with behind the scene effort and magic. That feeling you get when you walk onto a showroom floor and get ready to part with your hard-earned cash is a special one, but what goes into creating it? What happens behind the scenes before, and after, you take ownership of your new wheels?

Factory to floor

It is quite crazy when you actually think about the journey a car must undertake in order to get from eth factory where it is made to the showroom floor where it is sold. In some instances the factory and the dealership are in the same country, but in many instances the cars have to be transported over international borders. It is hard enough organizing car transport Melbourne to Sydney, imagine how hard it is doing it from Japan to Botswana! But the reality is that wherever you are when you buy a new car you expect it to have as close to zero on the clock as possible – and that takes a lot of hard work and planning.

Thinking smart

From the dealers perspective one of the key parts of selling a new car is being able to dispose of the purchasers old wheels. And this is not always easy. Trade-ins happen everywhere but being able to offload the trade-in is a risk that is carried by the dealership and so they work hard behind the scenes to set up a network of second-hand buyers who they know will reliably be able to buy what they bring them and at an appropriate price.

Licensing

Once you have acquired the car you want to be able to drive it away as soon as possible, and with the minimal amount of fuss. Again, this is something that the dealership plans for and manages, ensuring that once the process is initiated that they have people available to take the papers to the licensing office for registration and all the other legal formalities that must take place. It sounds simple, but the truth of the matter is that you don’t want to do it so they take care of it for you.

Test Drives

For every genuine buyer there are about ten more people who are just looking for a bit of a day out. Sure, many of them are looking to buy cars, but your make and model might only be one of five or more on the list that they intend to drive. But still, part of the salesperson’s job is to deliver the patter and attempt to close the deal. It can be very time consuming and of course it also means adding mileage to the car that you are driving, which in turn lowers its value. But it must be done as it is all part of the experience.

There are some rather niche items that you can purchase on the world wide web these days. We are not talking about mail order brides or other peculiar things, but rather possessions that you otherwise might not have thought about buying online if you hadn’t given it much think time. Take, for instance, food shopping. Once upon a time, people would never in a million years buy a shirt or a skirt or a pair of shoes without trying them on in the shop first. In this day and age of buying online and e-commerce and shopping from the comfort of your own home or work place, though, it’s totally possible and more than feasible. It’s now actually the ‘done thing’, and more and more people are doing this sort of thing instead of braving long queues at shopping outlets and malls, which waste time and precious other hours and minutes.

For your car and the cars of others

You could buy rims online for yourself or friends or family. Instead of going to the motor shop and looking through a very limited range, you can instead spend some time in front of your personal computer or laptop or even on your mobile device, to click through the many, many choices that will be available in stores online. This again will save you time and money and you will be afford all the convenience of not being pressurized by an overzealous salesman or salesperson eager to capitalize on your purchase. From there, you could just enter your details, make payment and all in all just wait for delivery. Then you can fit them yourself and be good to go, rolling down the street and showing off your new wheel attachments.

The bling of it all really can be an eye catcher

When you have your new rims on offer and people are impressed, they’ll ask you where you got them and you will then be able to wax lyrical about this. They will probably be surprised that you bought them online and will largely be keen to do so themselves the next time they need to make such a purchase. They too will look to tell their friends.

It’s not just about the items for the bottom half of your car?

What about the top half? Perhaps you want to have a sunroof put into your car or maybe you would like to consider doing some of the insides over, getting your seats recovered and other upholstered items redone. There are online shops for this too. These processes, however, will need fitment in the shop no doubt, so it’s a bit of a give and take process, whereby you can make the selection on your computer but will then have to take your car in to get the fittings done. You will still save time by doing the bulk of the difficult process online, though. This can also, again, include the payment process. The professionals will then be waiting to help you on the other end.

Regulations for the present generation of supercar competitors make sure that each contestant does not turn up a machine that is a lot meaner than the rest. They only make room for small variations in terms of engine design, body shaping, aerodynamics, and so forth. They are not completely different from their road-going versions. On top of that, the regulations are also intended to keep expenditure down on assembly as well as repairs. So let us get right into some of the specs you can expect to see in these Supercar Championship competitors

The Bodyshell

Each car can be identified based on features shared by its street legal cousins. Being designed for the track, however, they are altogether shorter in height, longer in length, and have a much lower centre of gravity. The only cars that will be featured in the 2017 season are the Volvo S60, Mercedes Benz E63 AMG W212, Holden VF Commodore, and the Ford Falcon FG-X.

Ford, in particular, has been causing some buzz after the unveiling the number 56 MEGA Racing FG X by the Prodrive racing team which will be driven on the track by renowned racing driver Jason Bright. Being a fairly recent competitor in the market, the brand has done well to acquire Bright as their driver for the race. The brand will make its debut in this year’s Virgin Australia Supercar Championship. Garry Jacobson has also joined the team as a driver along with Bright.

Aerodynamics

There are different angles and design features present in each car. Nonetheless, the aero packages and options have been configured to give all of them fairly similar drag coefficients and downforce. All of the cars use components such as a front splitter and spoiler, a rear wing and side skirts.

Weight

Predictably, these racing cars are much lighter than the road version after getting rid of their creature comforts and extra seats. However, in order to compete, each can be no lighter than 1,410 kilograms, with a minimum weight of 755 kg supported by the front axle. The lowest weight for the driver is 100kg, race suit and seat mechanism included. Other parts that must meet regulations for weight include the engine which can be no lighter than 200kg as well as the front uprights which must each be at 10.5kg.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain layout required for every car is a front mounted engine and rear wheel drive. Each car uses the same size of engine, a 5 litre V8, naturally aspirated. It is good enough for a power output between 620 and 650 horsepower. Competing teams are allowed to go either with an engine they developed themselves or a common option favoured by other supercars. The requirement is, though that the engine is a V8. Every engine revs to 7,500rpm. Power goes to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential box. The performance of the engine is assisted by an electronic control unit. This is essentially a network of sensors which constantly monitor the state of the tyres and fuel consumption and expose problematic functions with the car.

Brakes

All of the cars use disc brakes from AP Racing both on the front and rear wheels. The disks on front measure 395mm in diameter and have six-piston callipers while the discs on the rear are slightly smaller at 355mm and use 4-piston callipers.

Conclusion

Those are just some of the main specs involved you can find in a Supercar Championship racer. Overall, the idea is to keep each car competitor as similar in performance as possible so the real contest comes down to the driver’s skill.

Sydney definitely deserves the title of world-class city, simply because it stands out among all the cities on the planet in so many ways. From the gorgeous festival of lights and music (featuring the world-renowned Opera House) to the amazing number of choices for fashion, shopping, food, and wine, this is one of the world’s favourite destinations.

In fact, there is so much to see and so much to do in the city and in New South Wales that you’ll need to arrange for comfortable, dependable transport. If you’re taking a family trip or seeing Sydney with a group of friends, you’ll need a vehicle with plenty of room for people and possessions. Fortunately, you have access to a company offering an eight-seater that fits your needs perfectly.

All the Extras

Choose an 8 seater car hire in Sydney for your group whether it’s a rock band, a sports team, or part of the wedding party. You’ll see the city in air-conditioned comfort with electric windows and FM stereo radio. Don’t worry about getting to all the great locations in the most populous Australian city because with this roomy vehicle, you have unlimited kilometres and breakdown assistance 24/7.

Learn more about these benefits when you visit the website of one of the leading suppliers of quality rental vehicles. Call to talk to a friendly member of the team. They’ll be able to provide valuable travel advice and your eight-seater will always be cleaned and groomed before you begin your journey. When you’re making your rental arrangements, be sure to ask about available discounts.

Remember that when you arrive in Sydney by air, you also have airport shuttle transfers available. The rental branch is just a short distance from the airport so all you have to do is arrange for airport transfer when you book online. Be sure to include your flight numbers. Get in touch with the customer centre and let them know you’re calling to arrange the shuttle. For domestic arrivals, you can meet at the area called the “Horseshoe.” International arrivals should go to Bay 34.

You’re in Sydney

Once you have your comfortable eight-seater, you’re ready to spend some time exploring one of the great cities in the world. Take in the amazing Blue Mountains, Bondi, and the surrounding beaches. The landscape and visual delights complement the adventures and night spots so be sure to make room on your itinerary. Don’t forget to reserve a table at some of the best dining locations anywhere in the world.

Travel from one outstanding stop to another in comfort with room for eight people and several items of luggage. Driving will be quite easy in this fuel-efficient vehicle with automatic transmission. When you make your rental arrangements, you can also request such extras as GPS satellite navigation, picnic seats, roof racks, snow chains, and even child and baby seats.

When you combine a vehicle with plenty of room and one of the top ten cities for quality of living, you are sure to have a trip to remember. Bring your business group, your family members, or your sports team to Sydney and travel in style and comfort.

Windscreen issues are very common in Australia and so are the related insurance claims. Drivers can rarely weigh the problem on their own and generally tend to have a load of questions about the damage and the ways to fix it. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers:

1. How do I get the maximum amount for a claim?

Your insurer may pay out all the money for a repaired or replaced windscreen. To make sure you can claim the maximum amount, make sure you are using their approved repair service. Each insurer has its preferred repairer, with whom they negotiated an advantageous deal.

2. Windscreen repair vs. replacement – how long does it take?

Although you shouldn’t be making any compromise and have the glass replaced if the situation calls for it, it’s understandable that, in less urgent situations, you may be in a hurry and need to know which service is faster. Repairs can be done in less than half an hour, while car window replacement can last between 2 to 4 hours, depending on how quick the glue sets.

3. Will there be a warranty on the work?

Usually, repaired glass is much tougher than the rest. In any case, Australian repair shops can offer a lifetime warranty for their windscreen works, involving both the craftsmanship and the materials.

4. Will a chipped windscreen last?

Small chips can pose no risk, but deeper, cracked or spreading ones can lead to further damage. Don’t attempt to diagnose it yourself, go to a specialist and they will do what needs to be done. If it calls for repairs, see above.

5. Can windscreen damage become worse?

Even a minor chip can develop into something big. Wind, pressure, vibration, water, extreme or fluctuating temperatures are no good for the glass. Any crack can spread. The risk is real; it’s no scare strategy of repair shops.

6. What is the cheapest glass repair option?

It’s not the price that matters when your own safety or even life may be at risk. Find good professionals and take their advice. Prioritise the structural integrity of your vehicle and your own safety. Anyway, it is very likely that your car insurance will cover at least part of the cost.

7. Are DIY kits any good?

It depends on their quality, the severity of the issue and your level of skill. If the windscreen is only chipped a bit, it can work just fine. However, if it’s cracked, it may actually deepen or extend.

8. When is it time to go to a repair shop?

Immediately, regardless of the problem. Even, small chips can expand or go deeper due to vibrations, weather, moisture etc. You never know when a sudden crack may develop. This can endanger the driver and the passengers. Also, note that in most cases only fresh damage is repairable.

8. Should I patch the damaged area?

As long as you’re extra careful about it, you can protect the area until you can reach a repair shop. Use tape (as long as it’s not obstructing the view) or clear nail polish. Make sure to clean the place very well – no debris should get in.

The more specific questions on this topic should be addressed to your insurer or to the preferred (or closest) specialised service.

If you are a fan of luxury cars or even thinking about purchasing your first and happen to live in the greater Houston area, then I know just the place for you.  The Mercedes Benz in Houston, is the very definition of what a Mercedes Benz dealership strives for and embodies the values of the Mercedes Benz name. Its commitment to quality is only out matched by their dedication to their customers. Providing every aspect of service that you could need for your vehicle and the years to come. Now what are some of the things you can expect, as well as some of the staples you can look out for.

The first thing that you will notice when you get a glimpse of their lot, is how massive the building and selection they have on their property. Now, you will be hard pressed to not be able to find what you want in their inventory. Sporting all the latest models by Mercedes, alongside a pretty impressive pre-owned selection. And if for some small chance that they do not have what you want in the color you want. They can have what you want shipped from another state, as long as you don’t mind waiting a little. That’s how dedicated they are to getting you behind the wheel of the exact vehicle that you want.

Even if you are concerned about the price that is associated with Mercedes Benz, there is no need to worry. Their fine selection of Pre-owned stock, will have something that will suit your need and pocket book. Just like their newer models, pre-owned vehicles don’t just put on the lot right away. They get a look over and any issue will be correct and they will even provide you will a warranty. That’s how confident in their technicians.

Speaking of which, each technician they have on staff, has continuous training, to keep up with the latest models. They also have years of experience, knowing the exact kind of care your vehicle needs. Don’t think you care will be the only one getting the special treatment. The technician bay has glass wall to view the vehicle as it gets worked on, while you enjoy the comforts of the spacious lounge. Stocked with latest magazines and entertainment system. All which can be enjoyed while sipping coffee from their very own coffee bar. Which is complementary of course.

As you can see, the Mercedes Benz cares about the whole experience of partnering with them. From the moment, you set foot in the door, all the way to your fifth oil change. It does not matter, it is their goal to keep providing an excellent service for all its clients. So, if you live in the greater Houston area, take a look and you may be surprised at what they have and what you can get. Becusase at the end of the day, you’ll never know what to expect out of Mercedes, except that it will be great.

Car troubles always seem to happen at the wrong time. In today’s fast-paced society, everyone needs to be somewhere at a certain time and being late is not always an option. If your vehicle causes you troubles when you need it the most, it is important to know that you have a backup plan to get where you need to go.

Roadside assistance is typically offered by members-only clubs. If you are a member, you have the privilege of having speedy professionals come to your aid any time that you are in a tight situation. Now there is a chance for anyone to get roadside help in Australia offered by an industry-leading team of mechanics whether he or she is a member or not. They offer many different services but specialise in battery replacement.

Superior Car Batteries

If your problem is something as simple as a dead battery, it is possible to get your vehicle on the road again quickly and cost-efficiently. You can order cheap car batteries in Gold Coast and Brisbane from Roadside Response that will be delivered and fitted at no additional cost, 24/7. All batteries are high CCA and are longer-lasting than the average cheaper battery. These batteries are also specially constructed for Australia’s unpredictable climate.

Battery response is available for more than just standard vehicles. Batteries can be ordered for trucks, motorcycles, and even boats and other marine vehicles. Delivery and installation typically take as little as 50 minutes and batteries come with a warranty of three years. The company also has a special offer of six free months of roadside assistance with the purchase of a car battery.

Other Services

If you are experiencing other car troubles including blown tires, an empty fuel tank, keys locked in your car, a cracked windshield, mechanical problems, or need for towing, help is only a call away. You can get roadside assistance in Gold Coast and Brisbane from Roadside Response at any time. All you have to do is give them a call, explain your situation, make your payment, and support will be on its way.

Never Be Stranded Again            

With a service this spectacular, you no longer have to feel helpless when things go wrong. As they are a leader in Australia’s roadside assistance industry, you can count on them to be there when you need them the most. Whether you are a member or just pay as you go, you can always have the peace of mind that your friends will be there soon.

You want roadside assistance that places you as the number-one priority. When help comes this fast, it is as if nothing ever went wrong, allowing you to pick up your day where you left off.

When planning to buy a car, you should look forward to making a good decision. In case you wonder, about good decision, you need to understand the factors related to car buying needs. These factors would be deciding on the make and model of the car, buying diesel or petrol variant, budget of the car and more. This discussion would be relevant to decide on the kind of car you would want for your family needs and requirements. It would not be wrong to suggest that budget for your car has been the most important aspect for a common person.

Need for car loan

In case, you have been pondering on the question whether you should seek car loan or pay completely for the car, read on. In case, you have been searching for car loan, you should opt for a suitable loan to cater to your car buying needs in the best possible manner. It would be pertinent to mention here that availing car loan would cater to you financial needs. It would not be wrong to suggest that you need car loan to cater to your needs of buying a new or used car.

What is the need for good credit score?

The credit score will determine the credit rating of the consumer. There are three major credit bureaus. Every one of them is known for maintaining a comprehensive record of credit history of all people. As not all lenders will report to all of them, anyone’s credit score will be slightly a different number at every credit bureau. If you have late or missed payments in your credit history, bankruptcy or charged-off loans, your credit score will be considerably lower than those who do not have negative items on their credit report.

How to approach bad credit Car loans

There are a number of ways to approach bad credit Car loans. For getting the most favourable terms, you will need to investigate all your options before moving forward with your bad credit car loan. Probability is that it will delay you buying the car, but in the end, it can save you considerable money in a more favourable interest rate on the car loan.

How to apply for bad credit Car loans

Firstly, you should acquire a copy of your credit report from all the three major credit bureaus. These bureaus are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You will need to go over the report in a comprehensive and careful manner. Make sure the information given is accurate, as there will be no sense in looking worse than you actually do, provided you already know you have bad credit. Probability will be higher that there will be significant errors on the reports. You have the right to seek incorrect information removed or changed. When this is taken care of, it will raise your credit score. It will help you appear a highly favourable customer to the moneylenders.

For comprehensive information on how to apply for bad credit Car loans online, you may want to visit http://www.newcarcanada.ca/stcatharineson/.