3 Types Of Used Vehicles To Avoid Buying

When buying a new car isn’t a feasible option, purchasing a pre-owned model may be the next best thing. There are plenty of bargains out there. Unfortunately, a lot of buyers are tempted to cut corners in order to save money, even if that means taking home somebody else’s problem.

The good news is that purchasing a used vehicle doesn’t have to represent a minefield. You can uncover enormous value by using a little shopping savvy. Part of the battle is being able to identify the telltale signs of an automotive money pit. To that end, here are three types of used cars you should avoid buying:

#1 – The Enigma

Before computers, automotive maintenance records were difficult to find. You were forced to trust the seller about his or her vehicle’s service history – and roll the dice and hope for the best. Today, every trip to a repair garage is recorded electronically. The “paper trail” is archived on computers. That means if a used car lacks maintenance records, assume it hasn’t been maintained. Avoid buying it. With the number of bargains on the market, there’s little reason to throw caution to the wind.

#2 – The Leaker

Fluids are critical to the smooth operation of your automobile. Oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid… each of these play a key role in how your car performs. When you’re considering a used model, peek under the body and look for leaks. A couple of drops may not pose a serious problem, but any leak can potentially represent expensive repairs down the road. At the very least, have an experienced mechanic identify the leak’s source to determine its root cause and the cost of fixing it.

#3 – The Retired Rental

You may be tempted to buy a used vehicle that has been recently retired from the rental lot. Be wary. Rental cars may look like new on the surface, but can be hiding mechanical and structural problems. A lot of would-be buyers figure that the rentals must be in good shape. After all, the automobiles are generally retired after a few years; how much damage could there possible be?

Consider how people treat rentals. They don’t own them, so they’re less likely to drive them with care. Instead, hard stops, quick acceleration, and sharp turns are common. These things can be rough on the engine and brakes. What’s more, shenanigans such as burnouts and curb-jumping can cause wear and tear on the alignment. And that’s not always noticeable when you’re doing a casual inspection. Avoid retired rentals and save yourself the expense of future repairs.

When you purchase a used vehicle, plan to eventually replace miscellaneous parts and have minor repairs performed. These things are par for the course. However, by avoiding vehicles that lack a service history, those with leaks, and past rentals, you’ll sidestep potential automotive headaches.

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Understanding How Your Car’s Anti-lock Brakes Work

Safety is a chief concern in any modern car. With innovations including the airbag, seat belt, and head rest, risk has been reduced to levels that were unfathomable decades ago. Along those lines, the introduction of electronic control systems has included the development of anti-lock brakes (ABS). They prevent your vehicle’s wheels from locking while braking, an event that would otherwise cause you to lose control and potentially crash.

If any of the tires on your vehicle lock up, your car will start to skid; it will become very hard to control. On the other hand, if your tires are able to maintain contact with the pavement, they’ll provide the level of control you need to maneuver your car. This article will explain how the components of your braking system work together to prevent your wheels from locking.

Anti-Lock Brake Components

Your vehicle’s anti-lock brake system has four basic components; they include the pump, sensors, valves, and controller. The pump is responsible for putting pressure on the brake pedals and stopping your car. The valves are responsible for releasing the pressure. When combined, these two assemblies create the rapid flutter of the brakes that prevent them from locking.

The second two components of the system are the sensors and controller. Immediately before a lock-up, the wheels decelerate very quickly; the sensors are able to recognize this change and act accordingly, relaying the information to the controller. In turn, the controller activates the valves and pump to control the brakes, thereby preventing your vehicle from skidding.

Anti-Lock in Action

In the event of a lock-up, the controller interprets the information from the sensors and identifies your car’s deceleration as too severe for a standard braking situation. In response, the controller releases the valves which cause the wheel to accelerate slightly. The subsequent pumping action applies the necessary pressure to cause deceleration. This cycle, performed multiple times per second, causes your wheels to slow down at the same rate as your car without locking up.

Anti-Lock Varieties

There are three main types of ABS assemblies, but the most effective is known as a four-channel system. In this type of system, each wheel is independently monitored and controlled for maximum stopping power. Three-sensor setups are common as well. In this layout, the front wheels are independently monitored and controlled while the rear axis has its own independent sensor and valve.

Lastly, the single-channel design uses a single sensor-valve combination on the rear axle. This is commonly used in pickup trucks but is flawed because the wheel has to lock up first before activation while the other two systems act preemptively.

A lot of drivers mistakenly believe that vehicles equipped with ABS offer superior stopping ability. In reality, there are other factors, such as slippery roads and weather, that should be considered. Automotive technology will continue to advance as automakers strive to offer more protection to drivers and passengers. It is likely that today’s braking systems will be significantly improved in the future.

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Preparing Your Car For A Long Road Trip

Whether you and your family are getting away for the weekend or planning an extensive vacation, a long road trip requires careful preparation. Cars are built to be more reliable today than ever. But, even with proper maintenance, parts can still fail. Fortunately, by planning ahead and taking the right steps, you can reduce your chances of breaking down. You can even fix minor problems yourself after you’ve pulled your car to the side of the road. Here are 3 important things you should do to get your vehicle ready for the road trip.

Two Weeks Before You Leave

Take your car to a trained auto mechanic at least two weeks before leaving for your vacation. A lot of drivers wait until the last day before visiting the repair shop. That’s a bad idea. If your vehicle needs repairs or replacement parts, your mechanic might need more than one afternoon to do the work. Plus, auto repairs aren’t infallible; things can go wrong. When they do, it’s usually within the first 150 miles. Giving yourself a couple of weeks to “test drive” the repairs allows plenty of time to have them fixed if problems occur.

Prepare Your Roadside Emergency Kit

Even with the best preparations, you can find yourself stranded by the side of the road. For example, you might get a flat tire, your battery may unexpectedly fail, or you might be involved in a traffic collision. Pack a flashlight, bottled water, hazard flares, and jumper cables. You should also have a spare cell phone battery, a small pad of paper and extra pens. That way, if you are involved in a traffic accident, you can take notes and write down the other driver’s information.

A Few “Quick Fix” Essentials

Any long car trip requires carrying a few extra auto supplies. Your vehicle should already have a spare tire and a small jack in the trunk. You should also pack a few bottles of motor oil and transmission fluid. Plus, in addition to the items in your roadside emergency kit, pack a can of tire sealant, a few roles of electrical tape, and basic tools, such as a screwdriver and pliers.

One last note about the small jack in your vehicle’s trunk. Test it before leaving your house. Often, they’re designed for portability rather than strength. For larger vehicles, the jack may not be sufficient; in some cases, using it may even be dangerous.

Preparing for that long road trip can be time consuming task. Being prepared and covering all your bases and keeping up with the car maintenance will give you piece of mind for the journey ahead.

Taking your car on a long road trip should be worry-free. But, you need to plan ahead in order to avoid problems. Visit your mechanic a couple of weeks before leaving, replenish your roadside emergency kit, and pack a few extra auto supplies. If something goes wrong while you’re on the road, you’ll be better prepared to resolve the issue.

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