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Automotive

8 Ways to Get the Cheapest Car Insurance Rates Possible

No one wants to spend more than we must for car insurance, but getting the lowest rate possible isn’t always obvious. So many companies are trying hard to get your business, so they often have many policy options you may not have thought of, and this can make it hard to find affordable car insurance in New York.

So here are some things you can do to find the cheapest rates possible in your area. 

No One Company is Cheapest

Certain companies say they have the lowest price, but the truth is that one person may have lower premiums with one company, but you may have a higher cost with the same company. This is because car insurance varies from person to person, and depends on personal factors such as age, claim history and location to name a few. 

Don’t Ignore Smaller Companies

In the United States, four companies control more than half of the auto insurance business. This can make you feel like you don’t have many options, but if you branch out a little and look into smaller insurance companies, not only will you get higher customer satisfaction, but you’ll also be likely to get lower rates as well. 

Enquire About Discounts

Most insurers provide car insurance discounts, but many won’t automatically offer these discounts, so be aware of the discounts on the market and check to see if you’re eligible. 

Here are some common car insurance discounts on the market. 

  •     Bundle your car insurance with other policies like homeowners insurance. 
  •     Insure multiple cars under one policy. 
  •     Have a good driving record.
  •     Pay your premium in one payment.
  •     Agree to receive documents online only. 
  •     Own a car with safety features. 

Work On Your Credit Score

Your credit score is a significant factor in the car insurance quotes you’ll receive. Some states don’t allow insurance to use credit, but New York sadly isn’t one of these states. So make sure to work on your credit history, you can do this by paying your credit card bills and loan payments correctly and thus reducing your debt. Check your credit score regularly and make sure not to fall behind on payments. 

Change Your Coverage

When it comes to older cars, you can often reduce your coverage levels to save some money. Some of the coverage you can cut is collision coverage. This pays to repair the damage to your vehicle from other cars or objects. And there’s also comprehensive coverage which pays to repair vehicle damage from weather, fire, vandalism and animal crashes to name a few. 

So, if your car has low market value, it doesn’t make sense to shell out for these types of coverages, especially if you eventually want to purchase a newer car. 

Raise Your Deductible 

On the other hand, if you do buy comprehensive coverage and collision coverage, you can save money by opting for higher deductibles. Remember, there’s no deductible on liability insurance, which pays for the damage you cause to another party in an accident. But this is only a good option if you know you can afford the higher amount if you need to file a claim. 

Consider the Pay Per Mile Option

If you’re a safe driver who doesn’t drive far, consider a usage-based insurance program.  This might allow you to have a discount based on how much you drive, what time you drive and how well you drive. If you don’t drive much at all, you can opt for a pay-per-mile insurance program. But it’s important to know that switching to a usage-based program means that your insurance company will be tracking your driving. This can be done through a device that plugs into your car or an app on your smartphone. 

Consider The Car You Buy 

The car you buy matters when it comes to your insurance premium. Consider fuel efficiency, repair costs and which cars are rated for their lower insurance costs if you want to save a lot of money on your premiums. 

Compare Options

The last thing to do is start comparing the options on the market. This is key if you want to find cheap NY car insurance. The only issue is that comparing the insurance policies on the market can be a time-consuming task. But there are ways to get around this. If you work with an independent insurance hub such as the NY Insurance Hub, you can get the best rate with less effort on your part.

NY Insurance Hub Agency

125 Wolf Rd STE 404 Albany,

NY 12205 518-783-0105

GMB URL: https://g.page/r/CSpwJcUJX29hEBA

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Automotive

Guide To Your Teens First Car

Buying a first car for a teenager can be an exciting yet daunting experience. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when selecting a vehicle. Firstly, safety should be a top priority when looking for your ideal vehicle. Look for a car with good crash test ratings, airbags, and other safety features. Secondly, consider the cost of ownership, including insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs. Additionally, make sure your teenager understands the responsibility of owning a car, this includes safe driving practices and regular maintenance. If you are interested in learning additional tips, check out the resource below.

Infographic created by Capital Auto Auction

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Automotive

Types of Semi-Truck Seats & What to Consider When Shopping

As a truck driver, a significant part of your everyday experience is the seat of your semi-truck. Since you’ll be sitting there for hours on end, the quality of the seat directly impacts your comfort and efficiency.

There are various types of semi truck seats on the market, each created to satisfy specific requirements and tastes. Here are some common types of semi-truck seats and what to consider while shopping.

1.The Standard Truck Seat

The standard truck seat is the most prevalent semi-truck seat available today. Typical features of these seats include moveable armrests, adjustable seat height, and adjustable lumbar support. They are a popular option for many truckers since they offer support and comfort during lengthy drives.

  1. Air-Ride Seat

Air-ride seats can be conducive when driving on rocky or irregular terrain because they use air chambers to cushion shocks and vibrations. The driver can change the air pressure to gain the ideal level of support and comfort, reducing exhaustion and enhancing general well-being.

  1. Suspension Seats

These seats have a suspension mechanism that minimizes vibration and contributes to reducing fatigue on lengthy trips.They use shock absorbers or springs to minimize the impact of uneven terrain. They also include adjustable headrests for a better fit and unrivalled lumbar support.

  1. Heated and Cooled Seat

The heating and cooling components in the seats can help control the driver’s body temperature. These seats can assist in maintaining the driver’s comfort and lower the danger of heat stroke. Truck drivers who operate in harsh weather conditions treasure them.

  1. Leather Seats

If you want luxurious comfort and an elegant appearance, leather seats are an excellent choice. Also, leather is considerably more resilient than other materials, so it will last longer and be less likely to rip or lose its quality.

Considerations When Choosing a Semi-Truck Seat

There are several essential aspects to consider while shopping for a semi-truck seat. These include

  • Comfort

Comfort should be your top priority when choosing a semi-truck seat. Finding a seat that offers the proper support and cushion is crucial. A comfortable sear will help to reduce weariness and discomfort.

  • Adjustability

A decent semi-truck seat should be easily adjustable to accommodate your body shape and preferred driving position. Look for seats with lumbar support, tilt, and height adjustments.

  • Durability

Since you’ll be sitting on your semi truck seat a lot, it’s crucial to get durable and long-lasting. Seek seats that are solidly built and made of top-notch materials.

  • Size

Ensure the seat you pick fits appropriately in the cab of your truck and is the right size for you.

  • Suspension

A decent semi-truck seat should include a solid suspension system to reduce vibrations and shocks when driving. Consider seats with air suspension systems or adjustable shock absorbers.

  • Safety features

Safety is a crucial factor to take into account when choosing a semi-truck seat. Choose seats with headrests and seat belts integrated right in to ensure additional safety in an accident.

  • Price

Even though an expensive seat could have more features and comfort, it might only sometimes be necessary. Select a seat that satisfies your needs and falls within your price range.

In conclusion, selecting a suitable semi-truck seat is crucial. Many different seats are available, each with unique characteristics and advantages. When choosing a seat, truckers can select the one that best suits their needs and preferences.

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Automotive

Renew Bike Insurance Online: The Process

During 2021, two wheelers have accounted for maximum fatal road accidents (69,240 deaths), contributing 44.5% of total road accidental deaths, followed by cars (23,531 deaths) (15.1%) and trucks/lorries (14,622 deaths) (9.4%).[1] This statistic shows that motorcycle riders are highly vulnerable to being involved in an accident.

With insurance, you are protected against financial loss in the event that your vehicle gets stolen, damaged, or otherwise compromised in any way. It can also protect you against damages to any person or property belonging to a third party that you may be held responsible for. For a convenient and easy way, it is always recommended to buy bike insurance online.

In addition, if you ride your bike without being covered by third-party liability insurance at least, you could be subject to significant fines. When you renew your insurance policy for your motorcycle in a timely manner, you keep yourself protected against unanticipated costs. The procedure for renewing your bike insurance online is outlined in this guide.

How to renew bike insurance online:

1) Renewing your bike insurance policy via online portals

To update your motorcycle insurance policy online, you can follow these steps:

  1. Go to the website of your insurance provider.
  2. Enter the specifics of your existing policy.
  3. Include add-ons if you wish to.
  4. Keep in mind that your vehicle’s Insured Declared Value (IDV) serves as the basis for the premium estimate that is provided.
  5. You may be eligible for a No-Claim Bonus if you did not file any claims during the prior year.
  6. You can make a payment online using your credit card, debit card, or through internet banking.
  7. Get a printout of the transaction for your records.
  8. You would shortly receive an email with the digitally signed soft copy of your insurance policy. Within a few days, you may also get the hard copy mailed to you by the insurance company.

* Standard T&C Apply 

2) Download the official mobile application of your insurance provider

Download the app offered by your insurance provider to ensure that you could be notified far in advance of any lapses in coverage that may occur. Even if you do not have access to a desktop computer or laptop, you can use the mobile app for bike insurance renewal while you are on the move. Although the specific actions could vary from one provider to the next, the essential approach will be the following:

  1. Download the official mobile app of your insurance provider
  2. Fill in all the relevant details pertaining to your bike and your existing insurance policy
  3. Accept all the terms and conditions
  4. You can use net banking or a card to pay the cited premium
  5. You can expect to get an instant confirmation of the renewal, as well as a digital copy of the policy, in your mail

* Standard T&C Apply

As you can see, the renewal of your bike insurance online or through an app is a hassle-free process that usually only takes a few minutes and guarantees that you will never be without coverage. You can also do a bike insurance check online for various policies before choosing one.

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.

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AutomotiveInsurance

Car Insurance Basics: IDV and Its Impact on Your Car Insurance Policy

IDV stands for Insured Declared Value, which is the approximate market value of the vehicle at any given time. This is the sum insured by the insurance company under the entire policy.

Let’s say, you bought an SUV car for Rs. 30 lakh and got it covered by Bajaj Allianz car insurance. However, after a year, its depreciated market price drops to Rs. 24 Lakh. If you file a claim at that time, you are eligible for the same insurance benefit of Rs. 24 Lakh. In the event of significant damage or total loss of the vehicle, full coverage may be available.

IDV in insurance is determined by the vehicle’s age and market value. For example, there are four different models of a particular car. The most recent or advanced model will be more expensive than others. As a result, the insurance company would provide more coverage for that model than for the others. As a result, the IDV for car insurance may be high.

Furthermore, regardless of model type, all vehicles experience gradual wear and tear. As a result, its value depreciates over time. The IDV in car insurance decreases as the cars get older. You can calculate your vehicle’s IDV right now using an online car insurance calculator.

The significance of IDV: IDV full form in insurance is Insured Declared Value. The IDV is significant because it represents the maximum coverage provided. It is determined by the depreciation value and the car’s current market value. When purchasing an insurance policy for a car or any other domestic four-wheeler vehicle, the IDV is determined by the insurance provider. *

If the IDV is high, it means more coverage and as a result, higher car insurance prices. *

Should you opt for low IDVs in car insurance?

People frequently choose low IDVs in auto insurance on purpose. They undervalue their vehicles to avoid paying higher premiums. Although you can reduce the IDV based on depreciation, you should never undervalue your vehicle. To have a lower IDV, it should be at least its current market value.

Lower IDV has low premiums because it provides less coverage. If your vehicle sustains significant damage or is totalled, your insurance payout may be reduced. It could be less than the car’s actual value. In this case, you may suffer a financial loss. You will be compensated as per the Insured Declared Value in the insurance policy. *

Therefore, never undervalue your four-wheelers and never settle for a lower IDV. This will limit your maximum claim and coverage even if you could be eligible for more. * Standard T&C Apply

Factors Influencing IDV in Car Insurance:

  1. The car’s manufacturer, make, and model.
  2. The registration year determines the vehicle’s age.
  • In car insurance, the city of registration is essential for IDV because market prices differ in different states and cities.
  1. The car’s depreciation rate
  2. Surveyors/car dealers determine the depreciation value over five years based on the vehicle’s condition.
  3. The Insurance coverage varies depending on the insurer. The insured can negotiate the policy’s limitation and maximum cap.

* Standard T&C Apply

The maximum coverage amount in car insurance is determined by the IDV. It is the actual sum that the insurance companies will compensate in the event of a theft or significant vehicle damage. It is the amount that your car is worth. Therefore, it is crucial to calculate IDV correctly and buy your policy from a reliable provider.

Do check out Bajaj Allianz car insurance policies as they have a high claim settlement ratio of 98%.

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.

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Automotive

Choose the Right Truck for Your Construction Business with the Help of these 4 Tips

Construction projects vary in terms of size and scope, from large-scale buildings to residential remodels. And in order to finish projects right on time, you will need more than just understanding the commercial construction glossary. You will have to depend on heavy trucks to dig trenches, move materials, and efficiently carry out other tasks.

But with a lot of options in the market, it might be difficult to know the best trucks to buy for your construction company. This is why it is best to look at the following tips to ensure you choose the right trucks:

1.     Have a Reasonable Budget

Commercial trucks serve as utility vehicles. That means they are more costly than regular trucks. If you are looking to buy several trucks, you might want to speak to a financial advisor in your company to help you set a budget.

A good budget should be based on the growth projects of a business. This way, all the trucks you buy will meet the needs of your company for many years to come. Plus, whether you are looking to buy a used or new commercial truck, it will still be best to have a good budget.

2.     Consider the Truck’s Condition

Remember, this is a commercial truck meant for your construction business. So you might want a truck that reflects the value of your construction business. This is especially true if you will be branding it in a way.

Getting a truck, which is in poor condition will make your construction business look bad. You don’t have to get a brand-new truck. But this doesn’t mean you get a truck, which is in bad condition, either.

3.     Look at the Kind of Construction Services You Provide

Before you research every truck, which boasts more toughness and raw power than excavator advertisements, it will be a great idea to consider what your trucks should do for you.

Overlooking the hauling capacity and the weight of material may cost you cash in fuel, repairs, and time. So the best way to get the right truck for your construction business is to know whether it will be delivering bulky and heavy materials to a work site.

If most of the supplies are stored and delivered onside, choose a truck that will meet the requirements of your construction work and save you cash on upfront costs.

4.     Prioritize the Truck’s Durability

As far as buying a commercial truck for your construction business is concerned, the power and the engine’s durability are important.

In other words, you will need a commercial truck, which can last longer so as to ensure your business saves on the cost in the long run.

Whether you prefer new or used commercial construction trucks, their durability must be the key factor before getting one.

In a Nutshell!

Commercial trucks are specialized vehicles with open and deep beds, making them helpful in various specialized industries, including construction. But not every commercial truck is created the same. Some are light and medium, while others are heavy-duty. It will be upon you to know your business needs before buying the right truck for your construction company.

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Automotive

How to Find the Best Tire Store in Austin, TX

Selecting an ideal tire for your car can be challenging, especially if you are a first-timer. Nevertheless, understanding the basics can help you save money and time. Your car’s specifications and how you use it will highly determine the type of tire you get. Visit the best tire store in Austin, TX, and have a professional assist you in getting the perfect tire for your car. Regardless of where you are purchasing your tires, whether at your local store or online, it is best to get the necessary information. Remember that cheap items are not always the best deal. This article will provide you with tips on how to find the best store in Austin, TX.

Customer Service

While most car owners might not know, the process of purchasing tires does not end with installation. Just like other car-related things, understanding and service go a long way after the actual sale. Whether buying from an online retail store or locally, ensure that the after-sale services will be up to your expectations. These include services such as extended warranties and roadside assistance. Austin tire store will provide the best customer service in Texas, guaranteeing customer satisfaction.

Information Provided

It can be tempting to purchase the cheapest tire in the store and move on with life. However, it is essential to remember that tires include the only part of a vehicle designed to get into contact with the road surface. Thus, there is a crucial part, and they significantly influence your car’s safety and operation. It would be best to match your car tires with your location’s terrain and the car’s use.

Shipping Time

You are likely to keep an eye on your car’s tire condition and know when it’s time to acquire a new set, especially if you are a proactive car geek. If you want to purchase your tires online, it is best to research the maximum time it can take for them to be delivered to you. Waiting for the shipment days to deplete when you desperately need the tires for your car to operate is not the best idea. Your level of urgency should determine where you get the tires. On the other hand, find a store that takes a short period, if not immediately, to deliver the tires.

Price

The best tire store should provide car tires at an affordable price. The quality of the tires should be good, and they should not exaggerate the prices for any reason. Due to the high levels of competition on the market, you will likely find some tire stores selling tires at low prices. However, the tires might be low quality or even counterfeit. Always conduct proper research on a particular store to find out the specifications of what they sell. Also, read customer reviews on their website to evaluate how good or bad their services are. Visit the Austin tire store and get quality tires at very affordable prices.

Consequently, you can ask your friends to refer you to the best tire stores near you. Remember that you should not compromise quality for a lower price. This is because the item might turn out extremely expensive in the long term.

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Automotive

How to Inspect a Buy Here Pay Here Used Car

Get the Most from Your Ride with This Quick Checklist

Most drivers assume finding a trouble-free buy here pay here used car is all luck, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. It actually has to do with the inspection you do before you officially call it yours. Buying a new car is exciting, but it’s important you perform a proper, thorough inspection before you make your ultimate decision.

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to a used car, and you may feel a bit overwhelmed and unsure where to start. Here is a guide on what to look out for while viewing buy here pay here used cars.

#1 – Park it on Level Ground

Before you begin your inspection, make sure the car is parked on a level surface. This will allow you to spot any sagging in the undercarriage, or if it’s out of line. You’ll also be able to get a better view of the tires, and it’ll be easier to determine if they’re in good shape.

Check if the shock absorbers are working properly by pushing down on each corner of the car. They should rebound once, not bounce up and down.

#2 – Check the Car’s Body

The car’s body condition may affect how it drives, but it can affect how much you pay in the end. Make sure to carefully inspect each panel – and don’t forget the roof!

Look for any scratches, dents, or rust. Rust can be concerning, so check for blistered paint or visible rust on the car’s exterior. The paint color should be consistent on each body panel. You’ll also want to notice any unaligned panels or gaps, which are a telltale sign of a careless assembly at the factory or a poor repair in the car’s past.

Open and close each door, the hood, and the trunk to ensure everything is working in perfect order. Carefully lift and release each door to catch any loose hinges.

#3 – Take a Look at the Glass

Next, you’ll want to inspect the car’s glass to ensure there are no cracks or rough areas to be aware of. Small chips in the glass aren’t too big of a concern, but might be something you’ll want to consider as you assess the price of the car. If you notice any cracks, you may want to move on to another used vehicle at the dealership. Not only do cracks spread and worsen over time, but they could also lead to a costly repair later on.

#4- Assess the Interior

The interior of the car is important, as you’ll be spending a lot of time in the driver’s seat. When you first open the car door, check for odor. A musty, moldy smell can be a sign of water leaks. Look out for an acrid scent that could be from a past smoker. These odors might be difficult to completely get rid of.

As you inspect the interior, make sure to also focus on the upholstery. It should be in relatively good condition, with no rips or tears. It’s also a good idea to check that the seats can be adjusted with ease, and aren’t stuck in one specific setting.

#5 – Open Up the Hood

Before you wrap up your inspection and call it a day, don’t forget to also take a look under the hood. Make sure the engine is cool before you get started. Dirt and dust are normal and expected, but pay close attention to oil splatters, corrosion on the battery, or loose wires.

Check fluid levels by starting with the engine oil. It should be dark brown or black, but not gritty. Honey-colored oil is an indication it was recently changed. See if the dipstick has water droplets on it or gray, foamy oil, as this could be a telltale sign of a cracked engine block or blown head gasket, which are two serious issues.

Assess the automatic-transmission fluid with the engine warm and running. It should be a pink color and smell like oil, but not burnt. If the dipstick leaves visible metal particles on the rag, this is another indication of a serious problem.

Finding a Buy Here Pay Here Used Car Near You

Now that you know what to look out for while inspecting a buy here pay here used car, it’s time to start your search for one to call your very own. Begin by searching “buy here pay here used cars near me” to discover a list of dealerships in your direct vicinity that sell this particular type of used car. As you browse their lot, you’ll know just how to find a buy here pay here used car in great condition.

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Automotive

Which Is Worse for Pollution, Diesel or Petrol?

The debate surrounding diesel and petrol cars has been going on for years. Which of the two is safer for the environment and human health? Which of the two should vehicle manufacturers and car owners favour? If the fight against air pollution is to be taken seriously, it is essential to determine the answers to these questions.

Petrol emissions

A highly flammable and toxic liquid, petrol (gasoline in the US) contributes to air pollution through the vapours it releases when it evaporates. This includes particulate matter, carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides or NOx. When petrol is burned, it releases CO2 or carbon dioxide.

Petrol originates from crude oil, a fossil fuel that comes from dead organisms’ remains and is found underground in reservoirs. It is used for the engines of aeroplanes, motorbikes, large ships, buses, lawnmowers, and road transport (cars and vans).

What makes petrol dangerous are the by-products that it produces through a vehicle’s combustion process. Petrol emissions contain:

  • SO2 or sulphur dioxide, which causes acid rain and leads to heart conditions or breathing difficulties
  • CO2 or carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas that is a significant contributor to global warming
  • PM or particulate matter, which forms fog, haze, and ground-level ozone and causes health issues such as asthma and other respiratory issues
  • The poisonous gas CO or carbon monoxide
  • Lead, which produces toxins that can cause health issues and form ground-level ozone
  • VOC or volatile organic compounds, which have adverse effects on the lungs
  • NOx or nitrogen oxides, which have dangerous impacts on the environment and a person’s health

Diesel emissions

Named in honour of its founder Rudolf Diesel, diesel fuel is used in road transport such as cars, buses, trains, and heavy-duty trucks. Like petrol fuel, it comes from crude oil.

There was a time when diesel fuel in the United States contained sulphur in large quantities, which is known to produce harmful emissions. This was corrected by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2006 when they required the sulphur content in diesel to be significantly reduced before the fuel could be sold in US markets.

Diesel fuel emissions have the same dangerous by-products are petrol fuels:

  • Carbon dioxide
  • Sulphur oxides
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Nitrogen oxides

NOx emissions from diesel vehicles have life-threatening environmental impacts, including damage to vegetation. They also cause health impacts such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and premature death.

Diesel used to be the preferred and recommended fuel by the majority of vehicle owners, governments, and environmentalists. This changed in 2015 after the Dieselgate diesel emissions scandal broke out.

In September of that year, US authorities sent a notice to the Volkswagen Group after they discovered defeat devices in Audi and VW diesel vehicles sold to American consumers. These devices can sense when a vehicle is in regulatory testing so that they could temporarily suppress vehicle emissions to levels that are within WHO-mandated limits.

While a defeat device-equipped vehicle appears fuel-efficient during tests, it emits massive volumes of NOx emissions when driven on real roads. Thus, it is a high-polluting vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Renault are some of the other carmakers implicated in the diesel emissions scandal. 

So, which is more dangerous?

Diesel fuel and petrol fuel each have positive and negative factors. They have similar by-products and impacts on the environment and human health. There are several differences, though, and these summarise everything:

  1. Diesel-powered vehicles have lower greenhouse gases (GHG) and CO2 emissions.

The compression ratio of diesel engines is better and higher compared to petrol-fuelled ones. As such, diesel vehicles use lesser fuel even if their travel distance is the same as petrol vehicles. This means fewer greenhouse gases are emitted.

However, this is not proof that diesel is the lesser pollutant of the two.

  1. Petrol vehicles have fewer fine particles.

Petrol vehicles were more efficient compared to old diesel vehicles specifically when it came to fine particles. Diesel-fuelled engines released more of these particles than petrol engines did. The newer models are better, though, because they are already equipped with particulate filters. However, while these reduce the volume of fine particles emitted, the technology isn’t perfect.

Still, petrol fuels emit lower amounts of fine particles. This is not proof, though, that petrol engines are better than diesel ones. There are several factors to consider, including vehicle size and weight, purpose or use (ex. for long-distance travel), vehicle type, frequency of vehicle use, and injection system utilised.

Since petrol fuel is typically used in smaller vehicles and releases lesser amounts of fine particles and CO2, it is often considered less dangerous than diesel. There is no guarantee of this, though, as emissions can now be easily manipulated.

The best option for car manufacturers and owners is not petrol or diesel; it is the EV or electric vehicle.

Diesel emissions claim

Diesel vehicles fitted with defeat devices contribute large volumes of air pollutants, which is why affected car owners are encouraged to bring a diesel claim against their manufacturer. Carmakers should be held responsible for lying to their customers by selling vehicles that are equipped with defeat devices that cheat emissions tests.

Before you can start the claims process, however, you have to visit ClaimExperts.co.uk to verify your eligibility to make an emissions claim. Once your eligibility is confirmed, their panel of solicitors will assist you.

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Automotive

How To Talk To Auto Dealers

Things to Say and Do To Get The Best Deal On Your Used Car

In an ideal world, buying a car would be easy. No tricks, gimmicks, or smokescreens.

Unfortunately, we know this world is far from perfect, and shopping for used cars can be far from easy. It can feel like a game that, if you’re not prepared for it, leads to regrets and dissatisfaction with your car purchase.

Good news! You can help swing the game in your favor and come out with a positive experience and result of your car buying process as you learn to become a master at negotiating with used car dealerships. You’ll come away with great vehicle prices, perks, and performance, once you’ve learned how to talk to auto dealers.

Be Prepared

You may think you’re savvy and good at handling negotiations, but it is almost impossible to walk into a used car dealership and swing a truly good deal without some preparation.

Follow these Dos and Don’ts of preparation, and you will be able to see through the smokescreens and fluff to find the real value in your next vehicle.

  • DO gather reliability, safety, pricing, and other important information about the top cars from the category you are looking to purchase from.
  • DO a list of the makes, models, trims, and years of the vehicles that appeal to you the most. You always want to go into any used car dealership interaction with an idea of what you want and how much it should cost you.
  • DON’T go into a dealership looking solely for recommendations from the sales team. Their priorities will differ from yours, and they won’t have as good of an understanding of your needs as you will. You should be guiding them through the search process, not vice versa.

Information is key to your preparation. A couple ways to gather some of this useful information include:

  • Explore professional and user reviews on car information sites like Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and Consumer Reports.
  • Ask real owners about their experience, either in person or online.

Precede Your Visit With a Phone Call

The physical dealership is a great place to be. There’s free food and drinks, polite people all around, top-of-the-line vehicles on display indoors, and more. But all of that can be overwhelming to your senses. By the time you test drive the car you’ve been dreaming about owning, the new car smell, plush seats, and robust features will have you ready to sign the dotted line at any price you’re given.

Buying a car is an emotional experience, so avoid having to resist making emotional decisions by breaking the ice over the phone.

Give the dealership a call and gather information about your favorite car on their lot. Your ultimate goal should be to get a price quote on the phone. These usually beat the quotes you’ll get at the showroom and give you an edge when you finally do visit the dealership. You’ll know the price ahead of time, so you can avoid the posturing. Sometimes taking away the face-to-face element makes communication less stressful.

This phone call is also a good way to weed out dealerships to avoid. If a dealership is totally unwilling to talk prices over the phone and will only entertain an appointment, that is probably a dealership that will be difficult to work with.

Negotiate Price Instead of Payment

A classic trick that car dealerships like to pull is to talk about their deals in terms of monthly payment instead of the total purchase price. To maximize your car purchase, only focus on the out-the-door price. This is the dealer’s terms for the final price of the vehicle, including taxes and fees.

Keeping the focus on the out-the-door price will benefit you in multiple ways:

  • Avoid hidden costs that dealers can hide in the purchase price.
  • Keep flexibility on financing options
  • Final price makes negotiating more straightforward

Unless you decide to finance with the used car dealership you purchase from, your “payment” shouldn’t even be a part of your conversations.

Be a Savvy Used Car Shopper

Using this guide, you can be as prepared as you’ve ever been to handle all of the curveballs and deception you may find at a used car dealership near you.

Your business is valuable, so make sure to do your due diligence and make your dealership work for your business. You should be greeted with a smile and given straightforward service.

Combine a good dealership selection with your preparation, pre screening, and price negotiation and you might just drive away with your dream car at a price you only dreamed of.

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