Author: SM

The best thing about having access to a car is that it can open up a lot of new experiences and freedom. However, choosing to buy a car is a big undertaking as it can be quite expensive. Some choose to lease a car instead as it can offer smaller car payments. Leasing a car can be a little daunting at first due to the terms and conditions that you need to know and understand. All these terms can make you feel like you have too much responsibility for the car.

This could be your first time leasing a car. This is how you can easily rent a car and make you realize that it is not as bad as it seems.

1) Do Your Homework

Before you reserve a car, do your research on vehicle hiring companies. There are so many companies, such as hyrecar.com, that you can find online. Search online for different companies and check on their price; you will have an idea of how much a car rental will cost you. With this kind of information, you can quickly know which car to rent. If you are traveling as a large group, consider something like the Minibus Hire available at Prescot Self Drive, which could be the best option for your rental needs.

Learn more about their terms and conditions if they are favorable, do they require deposits, and if they do check the amount. Most reputable companies offer affordable prices with the best services. You can book and rent your car online.

After you have identified the rental company, check their contacts, and reach them. Ensure that you can be able to contact the company 24/7 in case you want to change your booking. Pick a company that allows you to book and cancel your booking online if you change your mind.

2) Check If You Have Credit Card

Most rental car companies will not make it easier for you to rent a car without credit cards. They all avoid the idea of renting a car to someone who might be a credit liability. Make sure that you have a credit card to avoid paying extra deposits while hiring a car.

3) Check the Car

Before you rent and pick a car, ensure the company checks the vehicle for any damages in your presence. Make sure that if the car has any existing damage, the company can highlight it to avoid you being liable when you return the vehicle. You can double-check it to confirm the cost for clarity.

4) Know the Vehicle

You need to learn and check on the vehicle before you leave the office. For instance, make sure that you know the level of fuel to avoid running out of fuel halfway into your journey. Make sure you know how to turn on and off the lights. Make sure that you get a demonstration on how to use the vehicle from the rental company staff.

5) Compare Rates

There are quite many rental companies out there, so search and compare the charges. Look for a company that offers the best deals. For instance, if you rent a car for more than one day, you get a lower price than renting for one day only. 

This is how you can simply rent a vehicle and have the best experience, even if it is for your first time. Always do your research to avoid scams.

Gone are the days when vehicles are only used as a means of transportation. As the lifestyles of people change through the years, their demand for versatile and powerful vehicles also differ. For people who want to engage in blood-pumping outdoor activities, UTVs can be a great option. This vehicle is one of the toughest today.

If you’re thinking about investing in a vehicle that can meet your lifestyle as an adventure-seeker, check out a UTV. This vehicle is powerful enough for you to show off your skills in off-roading and still remain safe as you’re riding it.

UTV 101: What Are These Vehicles?

UTVs or Utility Task Vehicles contain powerful machines, allowing drivers to easily maneuver the vehicle in challenging terrains and harsh weather conditions. Originally, UTVs were used to accomplish tasks on farms and haul heavy equipment. This vehicle now comes in different varieties and can be used in races and competitions.

Some people would call UTVs side-by-sides. You might ask, why are UTVs called side-by-sides? This is because it has two seats placed side by side. Some UTV models come with additional back seats or a single seat up front, but technically, these are still side-by-sides.

The arrangement of the seats maximizes the available space inside the vehicle, making it easy for the driver to navigate the vehicle in different terrains. Passengers, on the other hand, enjoy spacious legroom with this kind of arrangement.

Aside from the arrangement of the seats, UTVs are gaining popularity because of these unique features:

• Uses an off-road design to make it easy for drivers to swerve easily through steep and rocky terrains

• Equipped with a non-straddle seat and belt to ensure driver safety and comfort even when driving in uneven surfaces

• Comes with a roll cage structure to encase drivers in the vehicle and provide grip to passengers

Although UTVs differ in size and performance, it still contains several safety features like other types of vehicles. You can also customize your UTV to showcase your style better and fit your intended use.

What Are The Most Common Misconceptions About UTVs?

Aside from the confusion about its name, a lot of people still have a lot of misconceptions about UTVs. Still believing these mistaken notions are the reasons why several people in the world will never consider buying a UTV, regardless of how interested they may be in spending time outdoors.

If you’re still having second thoughts about buying side-by-sides, spend time identifying which of the information you know about UTVs is fact or fiction. For you to decide whether to buy a UTV or not, it’s best if you stop believing these misconceptions about the vehicle:

1.         UTVs Are Only For The Rich

Just like other cars, UTVs are expensive investments. Buying one can significantly affect your finances, especially if you’re planning to take out loans. UTVs are costly, but this doesn’t mean that the vehicle is out of reach for the average person.

The misconception about UTVs being extra expensive likely stems from the price of UTVs available in the market today. Some of the most popular UTVs cost at least $25,000.

But if you take your time to search for options, you can actually buy high-quality and high-performing UTVs that cost less. Some of these affordable brands can even provide you with more features than their expensive counterparts.

And with the availability of special financing options, your dream of buying a UTV can finally become a reality!

2.         UTVs Are Not Meant For Families

One of the biggest misconceptions people have with UTVs is that this vehicle isn’t meant for family use. Since this vehicle is often associated with off-roading and other extreme activities outdoors, a lot of people think that children should never ride a UTV.

As mentioned, UTVs are versatile, which means that you can always use this in other ways aside from engaging in extreme outdoor sports. In fact, UTVs are great for encouraging your family to get out of the house and becoming physically active outdoors.

If you’re looking for ways to bond with your family, driving a UTV is one of the best ways to go. The entire family can use this vehicle to traverse through mountains and enjoy new sceneries outdoors.

If you’re buying this vehicle solely for family use, look for models that come with a premium bench seat that can accommodate six adults. As for the safety, scout for UTVs that have restraint belts to ensure that the entire family stays safe as you hit the trails.

3.         UTVs Are Generic

You’ll never run out of options when you choose to buy a UTV. Today, you can buy a UTV that’s meant for work, fun, or both. You can even commission professionals to enhance the appearance and functions of your vehicle.

If you’re eyeing to modify your UTV, make sure to extend your budget. If you truly want to improve how your vehicle looks and works, you should be willing to invest in high-quality materials.

4.         UTVs Require Years Of Training And Driving Experience

UTVs can easily traverse through extreme terrains where conventional vehicles can’t. Driving a UTV will make it very easy for you to pass through muddy terrains and even drive through snow. You’ll be unsuccessful when you drive an SUV or sedan in these road and weather conditions.

UTVs are powerful vehicles, but this doesn’t mean that you have to go through rigorous training or have years of experience as a driver before you can effectively maneuver the vehicle. 

When transitioning from an SUV to a UTV, expect to make little changes with your driving. You’ll have to learn the basics of how to operate the UTV and what strategies are necessary when driving in specific road and weather conditions. Learning these is easy, especially if you’re already a driver.

What Are The Factors To Consider When Buying A UTV?

By this time, you might already be convinced about how beneficial a UTV is. But with the number of models available today, do you know which one to buy? Are you even aware of the factors to consider when buying?

To ensure that you’ll end up with the best side-by-side, look into the following factors before buying:

1.         Determine Your Intended Use

You can use UTVs in different ways, either for work or recreation. For you to narrow down your options when buying a UTV, determine what you will use the vehicle for.

Are you going to use your UTV in your farm to mow? Or will you only use it during weekends to have some fun outdoors? You should provide answers to these questions before heading out and buying a UTV.

2.         Come Up With A Budget

UTVs are costly, which is why you should come up with a budget for the purchase. Buying this vehicle without checking your current financial status can usually lead to debt and a lot of financial stress.

Since you already know the purpose of your UTV, do some research online and look for models that can provide your needs. The price range of these vehicles will give you a better idea of how much you should budget for your UTV.

If you have a shoestring budget, consider applying for loans. Several banks and credit unions now offer special financing options for individuals who want to own a UTV. You can also inquire from the UTV dealership if they offer any in-house financing options.

Aside from applying for loans, you can also look into buying used UTVs. These vehicles are way cheaper than brand-new models, and if you’re meticulous enough in inspecting, you can even end up with a used UTV that has a better value than brand-new ones.

3.         Don’t Forget To Test Drive

Regardless of how appealing or cheap a UTV might be, you should never say “yes” to a deal immediately unless you’ve test driven the vehicle you want to buy. Different drivers will look for different things in a UTV, and test driving a vehicle is a great way for you to know if the model you want to buy can meet your expectations.

Test driving a UTV before buying also allows you to assess whether the specific model is apt for your skill level as a driver. Going for a spin with a UTV can also ensure that you’ll walk away from the dealership feeling satisfied with your purchase.

Think Long-Term

Now that you already have a background on UTVs and how these vehicles work, it’ll be easy for you to assess whether buying one is a smart investment for you. This information will also help you choose the right model if in case you do decide to buy a UTV.

But for you to make the most out of your investment, it’s very important that you perform regular maintenance checks on your UTV. Being a vehicle owner is a long-term commitment, so you should be ready to change your schedule to accommodate your car’s regular maintenance routine.

If you have just kick-started a business, you might afford to stay alien about freight services for the time being. But as soon as your company witnesses a boom, you have to eventually get in touch with the freight forwarders like Alpinestars. So one thing is sure, no business can overlook the importance of shipment to grow.

However, ever since the globalization of trade has become easier, many freight companies have made their way to the market. The abundance of options could make it very difficult for you to choose the freight service, which is really the best in the business.

Knowing that shipment is a complicated process, the margin of committing an error is ever so slight. A minor mishandling of the items can inflict irreparable damage to your reputation. All said and done, and the burning question is how to distinguish the quality freight service provider from the ordinary ones?

Well, the following qualities are the hallmark of an exceptional freight forwarder: 

1. Free quotes

The companies have to keep their budget in mind before shipping the products. After getting multiple quotes, clients can either expand or squeeze their finances accordingly. The first sign of high-quality freight service is that it will never charge its customers for extracting rates. 

While mediocre companies may also offer free quotes but, more often than not, they come up with hidden charges at the very last moment. Of course, many clients can’t back off once the receiving party has been taken into confidence, so they end up paying extra even after getting free quotes.

On the other hand, a reputable freight service will not only ensure complete transparency while providing you the estimated amount but also use the best technology for it. It effectively means you can generate real-time quotes from any nook and cranny of the world by visiting the respective freight service’s website. 

• Insurance

Every time a business chooses a freight service for the import or export, it takes a massive risk. Because if something goes wrong during shipment, the clients will have to keep up with the enormous loss of money. Of course, no business person would want to indulge in a transaction which accounts for such a massive risk.

Therefore, the best freight service providers will always grant you insurance. They will be responsible for a number of liabilities if your products don’t reach the final destination in a safe and sound way.

Unlike a second-rate fright service, a professional freight service would be well-versed about the fact that all the products are not the same. So it would refrain from composing a one-size-fits-all insurance policy. In other words, you will have the liberty to customize an insurance plan that goes best with your products.

At the same time, there could be certain types of losses that may not fall under the domain of a freight service. For example, factors like earthquake, storm, flood or other natural disasters are beyond human control and therefore can’t be covered in the insurance document.

Guess what, a credible freight company will unveil everything that does not oblige her to compensate for your loss. As a result, every detail will be crystal clear to both parties beforehand, which means the relationship will not be soured even after an unpleasant occurrence. In case of any ambiguity, these types of issues are typically taken to court. And once you are stuck in a legal matter, you are in for a paying a hefty amount regardless of winning or losing the legal battle.  

• Solid communication

You can’t expect a client to mind his own business after he has shipped his products worth thousands of dollars. The shipper would want to stay connected to the freight service until his goods are offloaded at the desired location. Customers are not content with the tracking system alone, they need firsthand information from the forwarder about the continuous progress.

Poor freight service will deprive you of this peace of mind. As soon as the items are headed on their way, you will hardly get any idea about their current location. In contrast, a quality freight service will keep you informed throughout the shipment process. Even if a mechanical fault causes a delay in the delivery, it will update its clients so that they don’t panic.

• Good packing

Solid packing is absolutely indispensable to the protection of inventory. You may choose the safest route for transportation but still, poor packing can damage the products. Needless to say, average packing is particularly harmful to delicate products.

Good freight service will be encompassed with the technology and skillful workers to provide a variety of packing services. Whether your product is small, big or fragile, they will be packed in a way that ensures maximum safety.

• Proper handling of documents  

An unorganized way to collect documents can come up with many potential drawbacks. The most common problem shared by the business community is that their goods often get delivered to the wrong party. Though you can always claim such misconduct and regain all the lost products, the process is going to be very hectic and time-consuming.

Superior freight service will have no room for these lapses. They will be on top of their paperwork and get the job done in an efficient way.

• Robust backup plans 

Freight is one of those businesses where many things are beyond human power. For example, the weather forecast can show a bright and sunny climate for the next few days but nature can take a twist at any time. So a quality freight service will have backup plans to confront unexpected challenges related to weather, communication system, port congestion and suchlike.

In other words, professional freight forwarders won’t give up in the face of out of the box challenges. No matter how difficult it may be, they will leave no stone unturned to be time-oriented. 

• Negotiable price

The biggest sign of low-quality freight service is that it will indulge in unnecessary promises to justify their hefty prices. That’s not the way a quality freight service operates. If the client seems to be a misfit in its price pattern, it will accommodate other means and try to offer an affordable price.

The final verdict

By any stretch of the imagination, choosing the best freight service is not a walk in the park. There is no dearth of such freight services that make tall claims but melt away from the scene when clients are stuck in the middle of nowhere. Therefore, keep the above attributes in your mind while hunting for the best freight service. 

Are you in a bit of a financial bind and looking for ways to help your situation? Classic car title loans might be the answer you have been looking for. If you own a classic car then you want to keep reading to make an informed decision whether a title loan is a good option for you. 

How Do Classic Car Title Loans Work?

If you own an old classic vintage car you can use your vehicle’s title to secure a loan from a lender that specializes in title loans. The title is used as collateral, in case you were to default on your loan they have the right to take over your classic car to recoup the money that you were lent. 

A classic car is typically worth more than everyday cars which means that you can usually get a larger loan amount online-title-loan-store-locator.  Getting a title loan for a classic vehicle is sometimes easier because lenders are aware that these cars mean a lot to the owners and most owners tend to really take pride in their classic vehicle and do not want to lose it.

Qualifying

In order to qualify for a title loan, you will have to fill out an application and submit any documents that the lender requires, such as driver’s license, vehicle title, and sometimes proof of income is also required. The approval process is fairly quick and once you submit everything the lender asks for you might be approved within a few minutes. 

Once approved you can walk into the lender’s place of business drop off the physical title and leave with your money the same day after agreeing to their terms and conditions.

Benefits

We already mentioned some of the benefits like getting your funding quickly, even the same day you apply sometimes. If you need the money quickly, this is a better option than a traditional loan that usually takes days or even weeks before you are approved. Once you are approved you might also have to wait a few business days to receive the loan. Since car title loan lenders do not do a credit check, it not only speeds up the application process but also it becomes accessible and easier for candidates with a poor credit score as well to take the loan.

Another benefit is that the approval rate is higher. The lender is in a win-win situation because whether you pay the loan back or not they win. After all, they get to keep your classic vehicle if you default. For this reason, they are more likely to approve your loan with less fuss.

A third benefit is that if you choose to pay the loan off early more than likely you won’t have any prepayment penalties. This might not be the case with other lenders, they might have fees if you choose to pay your loan sooner because they do not want to miss out on the interest fees (which is how they make their money).

Feeling Better Educated on Title Loans?

Now that you know more about classic car title loans, you can make an informed decision before getting yourself in a situation that you regret in the future. Make sure you only borrow what you can afford to pay back. Do not put yourself in a situation where you can lose your valuable vehicle that you love so much.

Did you find this post helpful? Bookmark our site for all things auto-related! 

Noah Gragson captured his first career NASCAR Xfinity Series win in Saturday’s series opener at Daytona International Speedway.  Gragson captured the win for the No. 9 Bass Pro Shops/BRCC Chevrolet for JR Motorsports team.

JR Motorsports has won seven times at Daytona in the Xfinity Series, second most all-time.

Gragson took the lead on Lap 118 during the race’s final restart and kept it until a Turn 3 multi-car incident brought out the yellow flag on Lap 120, ending the race under caution.

“That was bad-ass.  I’m so thankful for this opportunity and I’m very proud of this team. I spent a lot of time with Dale Jr. this week. I talked to him for about two hours. I wanted to be a better superspeedway racer.” Gragson said.

You can bet that Gragson’s No. 9 Bass Pro Shops/BRCC Chevrolet had the bookmakers within their sights.  Find your best Top 100 bookmakers, according to users, today.

Gragson celebrated the win by climbing the frontstretch fence and celebrating with the fans.

“It never gets old, man,” said Earnhardt Jr. “I don’t expect I will do it ever again as a driver, but if I get here as an owner and have success like this, it’s a great feeling.”

Harrison Burton posted his first top-10 finish at Daytona International Speedway by finished second.  Timmy Hill posted his fourth top-10 finish in nine races at Daytona International Speedway by finished third.  Chase Briscoe finished fourth and Justin Haley finished fifth.

The race was stopped on the final lap by a crash.  The multi-car wreck involved Brandon Jones, Brett Moffitt, Ray Black Jr., Jesse Little and David Starr.

Unofficial Race Results

NASCAR Xfinity Series Race Number 1

Race Results for the 39th Annual NASCAR Racing Experience 300 – Saturday, February 15, 2020

Daytona International Speedway – Daytona Beach, FL – 2.5 – Mile Paved

Fin	Str	No	Driver	Laps	S1Pos	S2Pos	S3Pos	Pts	Status
1	12	9	Noah Gragson	120	4	9	0	49	Running
2	8	20	Harrison Burton #	120	8	0	0	38	Running
3	26	66	Timmy Hill	120	0	0	0	0	Running
4	6	19	Brandon Jones	120	0	8	0	36	Running
5	10	98	Chase Briscoe	120	10	10	0	34	Running
6	3	11	Justin Haley	120	5	2	0	46	Running
7	11	68	Brandon Brown	120	0	6	0	35	Running
8	16	7	Ray Black II	120	0	0	0	29	Running
9	9	39	Ryan Sieg	120	0	4	0	35	Running
10	19	36	Alex Labbe	120	9	0	0	29	Running
11	2	1	Michael Annett	119	2	0	0	35	Accident
12	34	52	JJ Yeley	119	0	0	0	25	Running
13	22	0	BJ McLeod	119	0	0	0	24	Running
14	25	78	Vinnie Miller	119	0	0	0	23	Running
15	36	47	Joe Nemechek(i)	119	0	0	0	0	Running
16	35	74	Mike Harmon	119	0	0	0	21	Running
17	20	15	Robby Lyons II	119	0	0	0	20	Running
18	31	6	David Starr	119	0	0	0	19	Running
19	18	4	Jesse Little #	118	0	0	0	18	Accident
20	33	13	Chad Finchum	118	0	0	0	17	Running
21	32	99	Josh Bilicki	117	0	0	0	16	Running
22	23	38	Ross Chastain	115	0	7	0	19	Running
23	4	8	Jeb Burton	114	1	3	0	32	Accident
24	24	2	Brett Moffitt(i)	114	0	0	0	0	Accident
25	15	22	Austin Cindric	113	6	5	0	23	Accident
26	17	92	Josh Williams	113	0	0	0	11	Accident
27	21	93	CJ McLaughlin	113	0	0	0	10	Running
28	29	51	Jeremy Clements	113	0	0	0	9	Running
29	14	90	Caesar Bacarella	112	0	0	0	8	Accident
30	13	7	Justin Allgaier	107	3	1	0	25	Accident
31	30	5	Matt Mills	101	0	0	0	6	Electrical
32	7	18	Riley Herbst #	59	0	0	0	5	Accident
33	1	21	Myatt Snider	59	7	0	0	8	Accident
34	27	25	Chris Cockrum	59	0	0	0	3	Accident
35	28	61	Austin Hill(i)	37	0	0	0	0	Accident
36	5	8	Joe Graf Jr #	37	0	0	0	1	Accident

On to Sunday’s race:

The DAYTONA 500 opens the season for the NASCAR Cup Series and it will be watched by a sellout crowd.  Also, Daytona International Speedway president Chip Wile announced that President Donald Trump will be in attendance.

“The Daytona 500 is one of the greatest events in sports and the prestigious season-opening event to the NASCAR Cup Series. Daytona International Speedway has been privileged to have hosted several sitting Presidents of the United States over our history,” Wile said in a statement. “We’re honored that the President of the United States has chosen to experience the pageantry and excitement of ‘The Great American Race’ by attending Sunday’s 62nd annual Daytona 500.”

Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and Snapchat, and by downloading Daytona International Speedway’s mobile app, for the latest Speedway news throughout the season.

Introduction 

Walmart does have a tire center that serves thousands of individuals every day. At these centers, some of the services you can get include flat repairs, tire installation, oil changes as well as a tire rotation. Moreover, they also do offer lug nut replacement, TPMS service pack installation, lifetime balance, and rotation plus value tire installation package. Therefore, at Walmart, you will, without a doubt, get adorable services, and these include tire services as well as oil changes. Additionally, to get services at the tire center is free, and no membership is necessary. 

Do you need a portable or onboard air compressor? Air compressors can make off-road driving better so check out the best Jeep air compressor review and make an informed choice on your new air-compressor.

In-depth details of services offered at Walmart Tire Centers  

Basic tire installation 

The tire installation services provided within the Walmart Tire Center hours include lifetime balance and rotation, lifetime balance, TPMS service pack, or valve stems after every 50-mile lug re-torque and 7,500 miles. Typically, it will cost you $15 per tire, but this rises to an additional cost of $10 if you have not bought the tires from Walmart. 

The same applies to valve tire installation, albeit this costing you $25 per tire as well as life balance and rotation, which costs $12 per tire. 

Tire rotation 

This usually entails only mounting a tire rim, but it does not provide you with the benefits of the other installation benefits, including rotation and balancing, TPMS reset, and valve stems. To get this service, you only need to pay $2.5 per tire. 

FAQs at Walmart Tire Centers 

How often should you change your tires? 

The standard lifespan of tires is approximately six years, but some tire manufacturers claim their tires can surpass this by lasting for ten years. However, irrespective of the age of the tires, you should make it a priority to always replace the tires whenever the tread depth is 2/32 inches. This is usually the legal limit in most states to ensure your safety and that of other individuals while on the road. 

How long does tire installation take? 

According to most professionals, changing your vehicle’s four wheels should ideally take approximately an hour. Nevertheless, this duration may vary when you go to another company as all specialists have different ways of carrying out things, but this is generally the standard time the installation process should take. 

Can you replace two tires at a time? 

This is usually dependent on your vehicle, that is, is it a front-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, an AWD or a rear-wheel drive. If you have either a 4-wheel drive or AWD, it is advisable to always replace all the four tires at once. This is because tires that have different degree wear and tear usually cause issues, especially with the AWD system, and this can lead to the destruction of the drivetrain. Furthermore, most specialists recommend that both rear or front-wheel-drive vehicles should have all four tires replaced at the same time. However, if this is not possible, you can always start by replacing no less than two tires simultaneously, and you should always have the new set positioned on the rear axle where braking and steady traction is essential.

Best 35-Inch Tires for Off-Road

Consumers prefer a 35 inch tire because they are perfect for off-road but will be a little slower on highways when you hit the top gear, which is a common trend throughout. The best 35-inch tires deliver optimal performance off-road but will dunk slightly on roads.