Who doesn’t think their mom deserves the best on Mother’s Day? RepairPal is celebrating moms everywhere by announcing a contest to offer one lucky mom with a free car repair!

On Monday, May 6, you can participate by tweeting in response to RepairPal (@RepairPal) using the hashtag #MomsCar or posting on RepairPal’s Facebook page (Facebook/RepairPal) with an answer to the question, “Why does your mom deserve a free car repair?”

RepairPal simplifies life on the go for busy moms while also making sure she’s treated like a queen – and no one wants their mom treated unfairly –did you know that 71% of people who own/lease a car think repair shops are condescending to women? Surely, neither you nor your readers want your mom grouped in with those who are ripped off at the repair shop.

With RepairPal, she’ll be able to track her car’s repairs, call for roadside assistance, and find a trusted and fairly priced repair shop for her car care needs. It’ll give her a sense of ownership and expertise that may have been previously handed off to Dad.

So get your tweets or posts ready and feel free to share this with your community! The contest ends on Friday, May 10th.

About RepairPal:

RepairPal is the leading provider of auto repair and maintenance information to consumers. The RepairPal Top Shop network helps you find a repair shop you can trust, and the RepairPrice Estimator ensures you never pay more than you should. We also offer an extensive database of articles, reports, and references from our in-house repair experts and community of car owners.

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Tags: General

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The collision has ended, the damage is done. Your blood pressure has skyrocketed and nerves are frayed. But you’re OK. Inhale deeply; bring yourself to a state of serenity and follow these critical steps when a car crash happens. There is a proper protocol to follow that drivers may not be aware of or are unclear on (especially teenagers).

Being educated on all aspects of driving is at the forefront of importance.

Is Everyone OK?

Check your body and other passengers for injuries if able to do so. Receiving medical care within the first hour is crucial. It’s recommended to call for help even if you don’t believe anyone has sustained serious bodily harm. By contacting authorities, the police can officially document the circumstances of the collision. This collected information may aid you in the future when trying to prove your case if lawsuits are filed.

Move Your Vehicle

Once your vehicle is at rest, immediately move it (if you can) off the road. With impatient drivers likely to either speed around the crashed cars or express their displeasure at your disruptive car accident blockade, remove your car from the flow of traffic so that you don’t multiply the risk of creating a destructive chain reaction.

Contact Insurance

There exist clauses which void the insurance claim if you do not report your car accident within a certain time frame. Report a car accident in a timely manner to avoid any issues — the day of the crash is best. Insurance companies will assist you through the process and inform you on how to proceed. Even with minimal damage to your vehicle, file a claim — seemingly minor repairs can often exceed the cost of your deductible.

Exchange Information

Write down all relevant information. Start with names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth and license plate numbers of all involved parties — even witnesses. Ask if the address is current. Don’t take anyone’s word that the information they’re giving you is true. Ask to see the proper documents — driver’s license, car registration and insurance information. It’s vital to record this information so that you can pass it along to your insurance provider.

Take Pictures

With today’s technology, you’re likely to have camera capability on your cell phone. Snap photos of the damage, or lack thereof, on all vehicles involved. Take pictures from various angles and distances. Capture license plates and perhaps the people related to the collision. Pictures are more reliable than words — images are concrete proof of the actual happenings at the scene of the crash. You’ll never know when these pictures will help you escape a legal jam, so take as many photos as possible.

Other Tips

• This may be obvious, but never flee the scene. Nothing implies guilt like a dubious absence. And the police may charge you with hit and run penalties.
• Ask the police to fill out an accident report.
• Never admit fault. There may have been other factors involved which caused the collision.
• Draw a diagram of the car accident as you experienced it while it is fresh in your mind. Write down the street where the crash occurred and note any cross streets or landmarks.
• Discover more vital tips in the cars guide section on the website of Jean Jennings’s, a television personality and President of Automobile magazine.

Knowing the proper steps to take when an accident happens can help you stay calm after a crash. It’s crucial to know what to do so you aren’t left with an expensive insurance bill or legal damages for something that wasn’t your fault. As long as you stay informed and aware, you can drive safely and be prepared.

Author: Randy Paulson

Randy has been working on cars since he was 12 and his father showed him how to replace a spark plug.

Tags: Advice, Automobile Safety, Guides

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Buying a car can be an exciting experience, especially if you do a little homework ahead of time. One common question that people often have is about the benefits of buying a new car versus used. According to Money Crashers, there are many advantages to buying used cars. For example, pre-owned cars tend to have a much lower price tag than brand new vehicles, which means you might be able to score a make and model you initially thought was out of your price range.

Lower Sales Tax

Buying a pre-owned vehicle may mean you get to avoid paying costly sales tax. While many states charge sales tax on new cars, this is not necessarily the case with used cars. Since sales tax, interest and other fees can often be thousands of dollars, this can add up to some pretty significant savings.

Lower Registration Fees

Registration fees will probably be a lot less. As anyone who has purchased a new car probably knows quite well, the first time you open the envelope with the vehicle registration renewal paperwork enclosed can lead to a serious case of sticker shock. Most states base the registration fee on the value of the car and its model year. Depending on what type of pre-owned vehicle you purchase, this can save you hundreds of dollars a year.

Where to Search

Spread the word among your friends and family that you are in the market for a used car. Just like you network when you are looking for a new job, use the power of your contacts to help you get a decent pre-owned car. Chances are good that someone you know is either selling a nice used car, or knows someone that is. Do you want to work with a trusted local dealership, or call the number on the For Sale sign of the car you saw parked at the local Starbucks?

Car Connection states the mechanics at the dealership will typically inspect all pre-owned vehicles that are for sale, checking them carefully for any mechanical problems or issues. They should also offer a written guarantee to back up their work and any promises or guarantees. Second, dealerships tend to have a wide selection of used cars all in one spot. Rather than driving around from private seller to private seller, shoppers can browse for a pre-owned vehicle and conduct variety of test drives all in one convenient location. Buyers can usually arrange for financing through the dealership, and the employees will typically complete all of the paperwork for the buyer, which can avoid a long wait at the local MVD.

The Internet has helped us to become smart shoppers about all purchases, and finding a used car online is no exception. If you find a car that looks appealing on craigslist, the site has a section on how to avoid being scammed.

Tags: General

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Nothing is more guaranteed to ruin your day than a terrible commute into work. The trials and tribulations of your trip in can really have an effect on your mood and if you’re consistently having a nightmare getting in, then it can really get you down.

However there are ways to make the journey to your job a little less stressful. Top of the list, to turn around your travel experiences, is to invest in a new car. Keep an eye on the latest new car deals on offer to get something more comfortable for your commute, like something from the Cooper MINI collection. If your budget won’t stretch to a brand new motor, then simply take to staring out the window, there are everyday elements of your commute that are guaranteed to lift your mood. The ultimate roadside people-pleaser is the comedy traffic sign, so keep your eyes peeled for something similar to one of the following side splitters to help turn your frown upside down:

Outrageously inaccurate information
These baffling signs can be seen wherever you’re trying to get to. Whether its signs positioned next to each other giving you completely conflicting information or it’s the broken sign on the motorway where half the wording has failed to illuminate. One way traffic signs that point in both directions are also a favourite as are weather-worn signs that seem to point straight up. Take comfort in these everyday blunders, they’ll keep you feeling chipper all the way to work.

Toad trouble
It might be puerile, but happening upon the hazard sign depicting our favourite hopping friend can often end in fits of laughter. We all know deep down they are there to protect frogs and toads from careless cars but if you’re travelling with a particularly gullible companion, it’s great to try and convince them that there’s a toad-shaped threat just up ahead!

Sign not in use
This pointless sign guarantees a smile.

Mind the moose
It’s unlikely you’ll spot this spectacularly funny sign in the UK. But if you find yourself in the US on business, this baby is bound to make you chuckle. Here at home, the nearest you’ll get is the “watch out for the deer” warning; but this could still raise a chortle if you commit the moose alternative to memory.

Tags: Advice, Car Shopping, General

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Taking your car into the garage can be a real risk; corrupt garages and mechanics can overcharge you for parts or repairs, or can include extra costs that weren’t covered in the original quote. Unfortunately, many of the people targeted by these kind of scams are women, and particularly young female drivers, with the belief that they won’t be aware of what counts as essential costs helping to raise costs. In this context, it’s important for anyone to ensure that they’re not being ripped off by following some of the steps below:

Get a Recommendation
Check with your friends and family to find out whether a garage has been reliable for them in the past; have a garage lined up before you have to pay for repairs, as this will prevent the dangers associated with finding a garage at short notice.

Give Mechanics Notes
This means writing down what needs to be done to your car, and being prepared to negotiate over it. If possible, get a mechanic to sign a written contract, and keep a copy for yourself to prevent them from doing anything extra.

Check Quote Prices
Make sure that all charges for your repair work are included with an original quote; this should include VAT and any administrative costs.

Take Pictures of Your Car
If you’re unsure about a garage, take plenty of pictures of your car before taking it into the garage; these can then be compared when you get the car back to see if any problems were there beforehand.

Be Aware of Small Problems
Don’t leave small problems to build up – deal with scratches, engine problems, and anything that you can fix yourself before it can become more serious.

Don’t be Afraid to Challenge Mechanics
As long as you’ve done your research, you are within your rights to challenge mechanics on quotes. Don’t just accept their word on how much something should cost.

Get Guaranteed Parts and Services
Make sure that your parts and services are guaranteed by the garage – if they won’t provide this service, always take your business to another one.

Consider Your Local Dealership
Rather than going down an independent route, consider using your dealership for any repairs that are covered by your warranty; you may also be able to get a rental car for the time that your car is in the shop.

Get Estimates
This means getting several different quotes from a few garages; written estimates can be compared and used to see whether a garage will be competitive in terms of price.

Check Prices Online
Take the time to check the actual price of quoted costs from a garage before signing your car over – this can only take 10 minutes or so of your time with a phone or tablet at a garage. Again, don’t be afraid to drag out a process if you’re unsure – rushing into a contract can be an easy way to end up with a very expensive bill for the work done on your car.

About the Author
Rob James is a mechanic and a kit car enthusiast. His favourite car is the MINI cooper One Countryman. Rob can be found blogging about general maintenance, driving advice, and the different car rallies he attends.

Tags: Advice, Maintenance and Repair

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