Your car’s paint can get damaged under multiple conditions and at times when you are not even aware of it. People who really take a lot of care of their car’s paint also become a victim of this exterior damage. There are so many little things that just randomly happen in a day and become the cause of damaging the paintwork of your car. But, fortunately, the ways to protect your car’s paint do not involve any rocket science because they are quite easy to follow.

7 Best Ways to Protect Car Paint

Here are some amazing ways listed down that you can use to protect your car’s paint in the best manner possible. Let’s have a look at them below:

1. Avoid writing on the car with your fingers

We always find it really funny and cute to write on a dirty car with our fingers not realizing that we are actually creating more damage than fun to the car. In this process, our fingers act as a sandpaper that grinds the dust remains and makes them penetrate in the body of the car thus destroying its paint.

2. Go for defensive parking

Have you ever seen a lone car parked far at the end of a parking lot? You might have thought that the driver is crazy but the fact is he is just trying to save his car from the possible scratches and dents that can destroy his car’s paint. Looking for a safe parking space is a great paint defensive mechanism against rust, scratches, and dents.

3. Have nano ceramic coatings

Nano ceramic coatings form a layer of nano particles on your car’s paint which protects it in the long run and help it shine. Ceramic car coating is the best alternative to expensive car polishing and car paint treatments. They hold the potential to last more than 12 months depending on their quality. Nano ceramic coatings have multiple qualities they are superhydrophobic, repels dust and water.

4. Use car covers

If you are using a premium paint color and want to take good care of it, you will have to protect it from the sun. You should use portable car covers for protecting your car from the harsh sunlight, the tree sap, and the usual bird droppings.

5. Wash the car with clean supplies

Many people do not care about using a clean sponge and soap while washing their car which really effects the quality of car’s paint. While washing your car, try to use clean supplies because a small amount of dirt on the sponge can create damage to the paint by leaving scratches.

6. Pump gas carefully

While pumping the gas or changing the oil, if a small amount of gas or oil drips onto your car and you do not clean it instantly, the oil will ultimately penetrate at the top layer of the paint thus leaving discoloration which is quite hard to fix. So, you should be very careful about cleaning up the spills while pumping the gas and changing the oil of the car.

7. Remove debris carefully off your car

We all know that keeping a car clean from dead bugs, bird droppings or mud is imperative. The birds and bugs droppings are acidic in nature and can leave scratches, dull marks, and stains. While removing such debris off your car, try to use the right tools for preventing damage to the car’s paint.

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Spring

Spring is usually a fairly wet season for most parts of the UK. The weather will start to get a little warm which brings out cyclists and pedestrians, so be more careful when you’re driving around busy roads. Make sure you avoid large puddles because water can damage your breaks. Keep those tires inflated and remember to keep some allergy medication in the glove compartment.

Summer

Things get hot in the summer, so make sure you carry some spare bottles of water in your vehicle especially if you’re driving long distances. Check your vehicle for overheating and fuel efficiency too and consider wearing a non light-reactive sunglasses so you aren’t blinded while driving.

Autumn

You’ll need to work on your vision during autumn because the sun is lower during the day. Make sure to keep your car clear of leaves and other rubbish that could fall off trees. Make sure you check your tires and consider purchasing equipment for the winter while you still can.

Winter

It’s going to get cold, so make sure you start carrying antifreeze with you to protect your engine throughout this cold season. Make sure you turn off electrical loads like lights and heated rear windows before attempting to turn on your engine. Take a look at the infographic below to learn how you can put together your own winter vehicle survival kit.

Design by Intelligent Car Leasing

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Go Deep

If you’re using your car every day to commute to and from work, to go to the gym and back, for those weekend adventures into the outdoors, then yeah, it’s not going to be as fresh as a car that’s just rolled off the assembly line. How could it? There’s going to be crumbs, mud, and a musky smell everywhere! However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Get your vacuum out, buy an air freshener, and grab your clothes and give it a deep clean. It’s amazing how much of a difference an hour spent cleaning your car can make!

Get Rid of Imperfections

There are some telltale signs that a car has been used for a few years: dirty, imperfect headlights; dents and scratches on the doors; windscreen wipers that don’t quite perform like they used to. Fortunately, these are all things that can be corrected quickly and easily. If you’ve got a ding in the side of your vehicle, then take your car to an expert in the paintless dent removal technique, and get rid of it. Headlights? They’re easy to switch out, and you’ll notice an improvement in visibility straight away. The same goes for your windscreen wipers, too.

Upgrade the Tech

It’s quite amazing, when you think about it, just how far technology in cars has come over the past decade. You can have just about anything and everything in a new car! However, just because your car is older, that doesn’t mean you can’t have the same great infotainment options that are considered staples of the latest models. You can. Take a look at what’s available, and have them added to your vehicle; it’ll feel like you’ve lurched into the future, and will also make the overall driving experience much more fun.

Change the Tires

Of course, you don’t want your car just to look new; you want it to feel new, too. Well, you can, by making one simple change: the tires. If it’s been a while since you’ve had a tire upgrade, get it down. You’ll notice that the feel of your car has been improved. Oh, and they also can make your car look better. Win-win!

To the Mechanic

Finally, don’t forget to look under the hood. When you take your car to a mechanic, don’t just check that it meets the bare minimum requirements for the road; see if any improvements can be made that’ll make it run like new.

The post How to Make Your Old Car Feel Like New appeared first on eBest Cars.

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There is a whole host of factors out there that affect your car insurance rates. Having more information about all of them can help you out so you understand better how you can control and reduce your costs. After all, no one wants to pay more than they need to. With this in mind, in this article, we will look in closer detail at all the different things which can impact car insurance and what you can do about them.

Where You Live

The vast majority of traffic accidents happen when you are close to home, so where you live can end up having a big effect on your insurance costs. Neighbourhoods which are more densely populated statistically have a much higher proportion of collisions, while other areas are more likely to suffer from car thefts. Obviously moving house is a big step to take simply to reduce insurance costs, but it is something worth bearing in mind if you are on the lookout for a new place.

Credit Score

A lot of insurance providers will factor your credit score into their calculations of how much to charge you, so if you needed another reason to pay your credit card bills on time, here is another one to add to the list. There is no specific score out there that directly affects your rate, but in general, lower scores result in higher premiums.

Vehicle Safety Rating

Car manufacturers are looking at safety as one of their primary concerns these days, so if you own a car that ranks well on this front, it is likely that your insurance costs will be lower. New technology is coming out all the time that is making cars safer to drive including lane assist, rearview cameras, and responsive braking. Before you buy a new car, it is also worth investigating its safety rating.

Driving History

Your own driving history is something that you will need to tell insurance companies about before they give you a quote. On a side note, it is always worth getting a number of different quotes before committing to one company so take a look at cheapautoinsurance.co.uk. If you have no blemishes on your record, you will, of course, be able to get a better deal compared to if you regularly get yourself into accidents. It really does help to adjust your driving habits and take on the roads sensibly.

Driving Activity

What you use your car for on a regular basis can also have a big impact on how much your insurance works out to be. Business commuters tend to put in more miles and this is taken into account accordingly. Also, if you can keep the car in a secure location like a garage rather than parking it out on the street, this is considered the far safer option.

Anything you can do to lower your insurance rates is always worthwhile, so take the above factors into account to see if there is anything you can do about any of them.

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Of course, owning a vehicle is no picnic either. It’s expensive, and the hassle of MOTs and servicing can be too much to bear. You have a legal obligation to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy at all times. Then there is the road tax, the replacement tyres, and those pesky finance repayments. If only there were a way to avoid all that hassle?

Hire It

Hiring a car takes most of the responsibilities of car ownership out of the equation because you don’t own it. The hire company must ensure the vehicle is roadworthy and fully insured. In fact, all you need to do is turn up with your driving license and credit card, add some fuel, then drive away. For the short term, this can be one of the easiest ways to use a car you don’t own.

Unfortunately, the exact choice is usually limited to a car type like a saloon or a people carrier. Make and model might not be specified until the keys are handed over. Possibly not the best option if you’re looking for a great driving experience.

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Lease It

If you need a car for the long term, then leasing it could be ideal. You get a full choice in terms of make and model, and it’s brand new. Some companies like All Car Leasing are quite flexible in the duration of the lease so you can have a new car every couple of years if you like. All you need to do is pay a monthly amount until you’re ready to hand the car back. It’s as easy as it sounds, and could suit even young drivers. You still need to sort out your own car insurance, but some leases will include maintenance and servicing.

Borrow It

If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, you might be permitted to drive any other vehicle than your own, with the owner’s permission, of course. This is usually a limited cover, though, so not many car owners will be too keen to do this. Still, it is legal if the vehicle is not a hire car or for taxiing. If you don’t own your own car, you can be added to the car owner’s policy, so you are fully covered to drive it.

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Company Car

Some company cars are issued to employees as part of their benefits package. Terms vary, so check what your responsibilities are. A fleet car, however, is borrowed from the business ad hoc. Usually, you return to your company’s premises at the end of the day.

Test Drive

Dealerships regularly use test drives as part of their sales effort. You will need your driver’s license, but all other obligations on the car are down to the dealership. In many cases, you can drive off the lot for the afternoon unaccompanied by the sales person. Unfortunately, you will have to take it back!

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Have a budget in mind

Just like buying a brand new car, you would find a plethora of options for used cars. So before you go shopping, you need to have a fixed budget in mind. It will help you to avoid overspending; also remember to make allowances for several expenses like insurance and other costs.

Choose the right model

The used car market is filled with millions of cars so to avoid confusion and make your choice easy; it is best advised to have a few specific models in mind that you want to try. Do a bit of research on the internet for different models and know their specification. Prior knowledge about specs will help you choose the right model to suit your needs and budget. No matter, if you are looking to buy an SUV or a luxury car like the Mercedes Basingstoke used cars, it is best advised to look for a model that is comparatively newer.

Conduct a thorough inspection

Irrespective of whether you are buying a used car from an individual or a local car dealer, it is imperative that you carry out a thorough inspection of the vehicle. Typically the car dealers have an in-house investigation expert who may paint a rosy picture for you but don’t believe them. Instead, appoint a separate car inspector who will give you a clear and unbiased report on the condition of the vehicle. The expert examiners would exactly know the things to looks for during the inspection. Typically, the inspection includes checking the status of the engine, functioning of the brakes and suspension systems, looking for leakages, condition of the battery and other electrical components and last but not the least the state of the tyres.

Test drive

When it comes to buying a vehicle nothing can give you the best idea about the comfort and the overall feel of the vehicle like taking a test drive. Request your dealer to arrange for a test drive and while you are test driving, check out different components, see and understand their functions. Make sure that you check the important and fundamental things like brakes, clutches, speedometer, and the steering. Experts suggest that you should perform the test drive on different road conditions and for at least four to five kilometres.

Paper work

Lastly, if you are satisfied with the car after the test drive, it is time to look into the documents. Ask the seller to furbish all the relevant documents like registration certificate, taxation book, and other invoices. Once the papers are ready, cross-check their authenticity before making the final payment.

The post Important Things to Consider While Buying Used Cars appeared first on eBest Cars.

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Buying the car and the confusing finance options

Buying a car can be one of the most confusing things you do. The finance options can be complicated if you don’t understand them completely. You could decide to purchase it through a lease or personal contract purchase agreement. These tend to offer lower monthly payments and sometimes means that you don’t need to put any initial payment down upfront. Which can be super cost effective. However, in a lease, you do need to hand it back at the end. With a personal contract purchase, you can choose to exchange it in, pay off the outstanding amount or hand the vehicle back. Other people consider using their savings, their own personal loan arrangements with a bank or even secured loans on their properties. One of the most common ways to finance the car is through a hire purchase agreement. However you decide to buy the car, make sure you are fully informed before signing on the dotted line. Otherwise, you may find unforeseen fees or costs cropping up when you least expect it.

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Petrol versus diesel and running costs

One thing so many people don’t factor into their monthly budgets with their income is the running costs of a car. Petrol can often be cheaper to buy but is it as cost effective in the long term? When deciding on this, you need to workout how many miles you may do a year. There are simple fuel calculators online that can help you work out your petrol and diesel costs. It might be a worthy exercise to perform before buying a car to make sure you buy the right engine type for your needs.

Insurance quotes

Insurance isn’t always a cost we like to pay out, but it is essential to protect us in the future from any accidents we might be involved in. Looking online there are various different insurance companies so it may be worth using some comparison sites to workout the best quote and company to use. There is a lot of factors such as how many years no claims you have, your age, occupation and even where you live and how the car will be stored. It’s important to be honest with insurance companies, as this may go against you if you are found to be giving false information.

Maintenance costs and what happens when there is no warranty

A new car will come with some form of warranty which typically lasts three years, but what happens if you decide to keep the car longer? You then need to factor in the costs of MOT’s, the cost of parts and labour to fix your car if it breaks down. While it may mean additional spending, extended warranties can work well, as well as paying monthly for a breakdown service, just in case. No one truly knows the cost of what this will be, but you can always be prepared.

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Let’s not forget the bodywork

Bodywork is just as important as the engine itself, you need to factor in the condition. Dents and scratches can cause major damage if not taken care of quickly. They can cause bodywork to rust or even become further damage, meaning a higher price to pay to rectify it. The same can be said for things like windscreen chips, better to repair things like that than having to pay out for replacement parts, windows and panels.

Keeping your vehicle in good condition for the next time you need to buy one

Finally, it is important to take care of your car from the outside in to help you obtain the best valuation for it, come the time you want to change it.

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There are few things more exciting than brand new cars, and this year looks set to be another great one for motorheads. No matter what it might be that you look for in a car, you will probably find that you are not disappointed in 2017, owing to the large variety of vehicles set to storm the stage. On top of that, there are some specific new features which are likely to excite pretty much anyone with the vaguest interest in cars. Whether it’s the new Bentley Entertainment Tablet or the Chrysler Theater, there is definitely something for everyone this year. But let’s take a look at some specific vehicles set to roll, and see how they compare with one another.

Toyota Yaris iA

When it comes to super-compact vehicles, Toyota have always delivered, and this year they might have even outdone themselves. The Yaris iA is a delightful little car which won’t feel like it is missing anything at all. What’s more, its size makes light work of any vehicle transport which might need to occur. Entirely different as a model from its predecessor the Yaris hatchback, it nonetheless has the same kind of distinctive shape to it. Toyotas have long been known for their reliability, and again here is somewhere where we are not let down. To drive, it is a refined and elegant little vehicle, and has a surprising amount of punch for its size, regardless of which engine you might choose to go for. Sporty and affordable, this is likely to be an incredibly popular car this year.

Chevrolet Cruze

This is actually a redesigned version of an old classic, and we all know that such efforts are often a mixed result at best. However, with the Cruze yo do at least have the kind of style and grace that you would always expect of a Chevrolet, whether or not it has the price tag you would like to see. Regardless, if you want a car which will take you anywhere with the smoothest handling and driving manners, then you could do a lot worse than the Chevrolet Cruze. On top of all that, this is also one of the most reliable and fuel efficient cars to come out this year, something which we can all agree is particularly pleasing in the current climate. If you want to wait for the diesel engine later in the year, then you might be even more delighted with the efficiency. All round, a beautiful and relatively well priced car, although a little more than the Yaris.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

If you are a sucker for the sheer pleasure of driving, then the chances are that you usually look out for a vehicle such as the next one. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is an all-round luxurious and pleasurable drive, and it just happens to be sexy to boot. Mazda have retained their old formula for decades now, and this is yet another example of just why that might not be such a bad idea. With rear-wheel drive and particularly sharp handling, it is a ride which makes you pleased to be alive.

The post Cars Of 2017 Ready To Roll appeared first on eBest Cars.

Spare Tyre

You should always use a spare tyre if one bursts or splits. It can stop the wheel being damaged or having an accident. Cars mostly come with spare tyres these days, but keep an eye out because if you buy second hand it may not. You should check them before each journey, if they are damaged or under tread depth a company like Wiltshire Tyres can put new ones on for you. You should never go out without a spare tyre and the equipment needed to change it out for a new one.

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Phone Charger

If you break down, you’re going to want to keep your phone charged so you can speak to someone who can help. These days, most cars have outlets that enable the charging of phones. Just remember to take the relevant wire with you so you can charge it with no fuss. It’s better than walking in the rain or cold looking for a phone you can use. Put one in the glove compartment and you’ll forget about it until needed.

High Visibility Jacket Or Vest

If you break down on the motorway you aren’t allowed to stay in your car. So, standing on the side of the road when not visible can be dangerous. Take a high visibility jacket with you just in case. This way other motorists can see you. It is the safe thing to do. It certain countries, like France, this is the law.

A Torch

You’ll need a torch if you break down during the night. Street lights only get you so far. Using a torch means you can see the engine area or the area in which you are waiting for a mechanic to come out and help. They make standing in the dark much easier and hazard free. You need to get one that is decent and emits powerful light so that you can see properly. One that converts into a lantern is a safe bet because you can place it by the engine to cast light over what you are doing. Remember to keep spare batteries too just in case.

Oil And Water

In muddy conditions you may need to top up your windscreen reservoir. Or, the oil light might come on during an inconvenient time..Keeping these two vital liquids could help you out when you most need it. Just put them in your boot and you’ll always have them at hand when needed.

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Reviews are just starting to pop up for the new Range Rover Evoque. What type of feeling or memory does it evoke in anyone willing to sit in the driver’s seat or put down the cash to buy one? Mixed feelings that’s for sure because if you want a car that feels rugged and looks like it can handle the rough and tumble off road, this probably isn’t the car for you. On the other, hand, if you want a car that feels powerful and yet never throws its weight around, is big enough to fit a family comfortably and yet can still slide through city traffic, this could be the perfect choice. That’s exactly what the Range Rover Evoque is. It’s the perfect 4X4 SUV for someone who…doesn’t really want one.

Take A Look Around

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If you peruse the Evoque you’ll see that it is absolutely stunning and yet quite minimalistic. There are no particularly striking features that will make your car stand out on the road. Not on the exterior at least. The whole car has been nicely rounded to make it seem soft, gentle, dare we say playful. It’s the type of car that looks like it could be a lot of fun to drive, and it is. We’ll get to that further down because while the vehicle isn’t as big as some of the other SUVs, it’s still quite impressive. Put it this way, if it comes to the point where you meet another car on a narrow street, you won’t be the one reversing. You’ll have the power and stature to proceed forward and force the other hapless driver into a difficult maneuver.

What about off road? The car can handle heading off road like any other Land Rover, to an extent. It’s admittedly, not quite as powerful as it’s bigger, badder cousin. But let’s face it, this car was never supposed to be. This vehicle isn’t for people who want to rip around the countryside on a Sunday afternoon. It’s for those who want to drop off their kids at school and drive on to the office. The look says it all. This is an SUV for the city.

Hop Inside

Do you like a little luxury in your vehicle? You won’t be disappointed with the leather interior of this machine. If it looks warm and fun on the outside, getting in is like being greeted by a big hug. You’ll sink straight into the leather seats and immediately feel right at home. If you want, you can get the 3 door version and make sure that your SUV also feels super. But, with four doors there is plenty of space for the kids to sit happily too. You can even get extra features of the typical family car like screens in the back of the seats. This could be a fantastic vehicle for long journeys.

Just Cruising

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So how does it handle? This car can take you up to 121mph and reach 60 in just nine seconds which isn’t bad. It’s nothing compared to some of the more powerful SUVs on the market, but it isn’t bad. You certainly won’t feel like you’re racing around the Nurburgring, it’s a smooth, pleasant drive. If you want to push it to the max but you probably won’t find it quite as thrilling as you’d hoped. For that, you need the original old school Range Rover, that’s nearly twice as powerful. But…

Cool Cost

It’s also nearly twice as expensive. You can pick up an Evoque for just over forty grand which is a fantastic price. And though the power and design certainly matches that tag if you’re not planning on pushing your car to the limit there’s no reason not to get this vehicle. It’s a very pleasant drive at a cheerful cost. You’ll also be pleased to hear that the insurance is cheaper too. Even insurance sites like Money Expert known this car isn’t really a Range Rover. But maybe that’s not such a bad thing.

Time To Buy

If you’re looking for a car that could take you off the road but you have no intention of taking it up on that offer, this is the one. If you want a vehicle where you can cruise quite gently in a large vehicle and enjoy an easy ride, choose something like this. However, if you are looking for a vehicle where you can push the acceleration, throw it around the bends and generally test your courage and bravery, you might be better looking elsewhere.

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