Types of Car – how to Choose a Brand

If the car makes and models are not especially familiar to you, you’re not alone. Plenty of people struggle to identify the kind of car they should buy, as it’s no easy task to find one that is going to be functional, cheap to run and reliable. Also. Different things will be important to different people, making it hard to ask others for advice. It’s best to decide what is right for you and to find a car that matches your needs.

Think about a list of points that are most important to you. This should include things like cost of running, appearance, size and style. Some things will crop up more than others – for example, if all of your points are things like ‘must have 4 doors’ and ‘needs to have a large boot space’, you know that accessibility and the functionality of the car are going to be important to you.

Understanding your Obligations with Car Finance

When you take out a car finance package, you need to understand that you do not own the car. At the end of the package, you may own it, depending on the one you select. This is essential to understanding your obligations as a part of the deal.

You should read the terms and conditions very thoroughly when you take out the deal. Talk it over with the dealership as well so that you understand the small print. You should make sure you know what will happen with gap insurance – a type of insurance that covers you if the car is written off and it is worth less than the amount you have paid on it. Gap insurance will ensure you are not left short.

You should also understand what happens with a PCP deal if you decide to hand the car back. What will you be charged for? What counts as acceptable wear and tear?

Looking Out for Problems with your Brakes

Brakes undergo a lot of wear and tear, so you will need to keep an eye on them. Failing brakes could be catastrophic for your car. There are many problems that could occur with brakes, many of which are fairly minor and won’t cost a lot of money to repair. They could become more problematic though, so here are some things to look out for:

  • Unexpected noises. This is usually an indication that your brake pads are wearing thin. Noises may sound dramatic – squealing and squeaking are common – but this is a very easy problem to rectify.
  • A burning smell. This could be your brakes overheating, which is very serious indeed. It could damage the pads, making it harder to brake.
  • A warning light on your dashboard. This could indicate problems with brakes like a low fluid level. Take the car to a garage if a light comes on relating to the brakes.

Changing the Colour of your Car

Changing the colour of your vehicle is not as simple as just being able to paint it. You will need a specific paint type in order to paint your car evenly and properly, giving it the kind of premium look and coverage you would expect. If you are thinking about changing the colour of your vehicle to personalise it, make sure you look into it properly.

You will need to find a garage that can carry out the work and that stocks specialist car paint. It will need to be able to cover up the existing paint on your car, so you may not be able to choose certain colours. Make sure the garage is experienced and will produce good results. You may even want to take your car to an approved garage for its particular make and model, as you know they will be experienced with your type of vehicle.

Choosing a Telematics Box to Lower Car Insurance

Telematics boxes can be fitted in most vehicles to monitor driving. They are now regularly being used to help lower car insurance costs by rewarding people who drive sensibly. If insurance prices are going up for you, think about the difference a telematics box could make to your policy.

Look at insurance price comparison sites or contact your existing insurance provider to find out about your options. You may be able to get a box fitted retrospectively. Many drivers find that they can save a significant amount of money by using one of these devices.

A telematics box will measure things like your driving speed and your braking. They are designed to give accurate feedback about what kind of driver you are. You could try one out to see if it works for you and if it reduces your costs. You may already have lower premiums, in which case it might not be beneficial for you.

How to Choose a New Car

Choosing a new car is very exciting but it does need to be practical as well. You need to make the right decision for you and, if relevant, your family as well. A new car isn’t going to be cheap – think carefully before you make any final decisions about the vehicle you want. Here are some of the main things to consider:

  • Space. Will there be room for you and your family to travel comfortably? Think about how much space you might need in the boot as well as in the car itself.
  • Engine. Do you want a powerful car that goes from 0-60mph in no time at all? A lot of driver do but it’s going to come at a price. Bigger engines also mean higher road tax.
  • Insurance costs. Get quotes for what this will cost you before you decide once and for all which vehicle you are going to purchase