Author: SM

  • The 7 Best Classic Car Auctions In The United States

    What you need to know about classic car auctions

    Classic car auctions are a great way to get an awesome classic car for a decent price. It is also a great way to see some really cool classic cars as well. You will also get the chance to meet with other serious classic car enthusiasts too.

    If you are at the auction with the intention of possibly buying one of these vehicles there are a few things that you should know first. The first thing to know is what kind of money you should be prepared to spend. This obviously depends on the type of car that you are looking to buy but we recommend having at least $10,000 available to be able to bid.

    Now, the price for some of these classic cars could end up being much higher than that, so, do your research first to get a general idea of the cost of the specific car you are looking to buy before you head out to an auction. Some of the auction sites will have the cars listed online with the minimum bid price which you can see when you register on the website. So, cars could be as low as a couple thousand dollars, others could be half a million dollars.

    In order to be able to bid, you will need to do several things first. You will need to complete a registration form for the specific event in which you are considering attending. This will involve you making copies of you license, getting proof of car insurance, picking a picture for your ID badge, agreeing to any terms and conditions and paying whatever required registration fee.

    The event will likely also take a fee somewhere between ten and twenty percent. You will also be responsible for paying all applicable fees and taxes on any purchase made at the event.

    Now, each event is different. So, you might also be required to take additional steps before you are permitted to place any bids. We advise that you check the specific auctions website before you go so you can be prepared for any registration requirements prior to arriving at the particular event.

    The 7 best classic car auctions in the US

    Here are the best classic car auctions that occur (at least occasionally) in the United States:

    • Bonhams – Bonhams is likely the biggest name in auctions (not just cars) in the world. This is where you will find some true classics such as Model-T’s. However, the cars in Bonhams’ auctions definitely come at a high price as they regularly sell for six-figures.
    • Barrett-Jackson – Barrett Jackson is a leader in classic car auctions. It also has some of the more affordable classic car bidding around. The shows are held in Las Vegas, Palm Beach, Scottsdale and Connecticut.
    • Mecum Auction Company – Mecum is another general auction company that focuses partially on classic cars. The prices of the cars in the lots you will see in Mecum auctions will vary pretty greatly. Auctions are held every few months in different locations around the country including Chicago, Las Vegas, Kansas City and Houston among others.
    • Gooding & Company – As a classic car auction, Gooding & Company is as good as it gets. It is also as expensive as it gets as cars will routinely sell for a million dollars or more. For many this will be just an opportunity to see some great classic cars, and there is nothing wrong with that.
    • RM Sotheby’s – One of the more popular names in classic car auctions, RM Sotheby’s is a great choice if you are looking to bid on or check out some fantastic classic cars. These auctions are held a couple of times a year in the United States as well as a few times a year abroad in places like London. You can bid on any of several classic vehicles from the early 20th century such as Dusenbergs. However, these cars will cost you at least a hundred thousand dollars if not closer to half a million dollars.
    • Classic Car Auction Group – The classic Car Auction Group is a less popular group of car auctions that take place in the northern Rockies. These auctions are great for getting a better deal on a classic car at auction.
    • McCormick’s Palm Springs Classic Car Auctions – McCormick’s is a lesser known series of car auctions but it is still a fantastic choice for checking out or bidding on classic cars. The auctions take place in Palm Springs, California about twice a year. The prices for the cars at this auction would be considered moderate.

    Shipping your car from an auction

    If you are successful and end up winning an auction for a classic car, you will likely want to ship your car to your destination rather than drive it. Odds are that you do not live very close to the auction site. Plus, driving a classic car too far is a risk because long distance driving poses risks for damage as well as general wear and tear.

    So, you can ship your classic car in order to avoid the stress and risk of driving it all the way home. Shipping your classic car is easier than you think too. You can contact a car shipping company to ship your classic vehicle in a hurry with expedited shipping as well. Be sure that you always get quotes from any companies you might be thinking of using. You can start with a quote here.

    Conclusion

    Classic car auctions are great experiences for both people seriously interested in buying one as well as those who just want to check out some rare classic vehicles. If you do plan on bidding on a classic car, there are a few things that you will need to accomplish before you start actually bidding such as getting your documentation together and pre-registering for the event if possible.

    If you win a classic car at auction, you are likely going to spend a decent amount of money on it. So, you will likely want to do everything you can to protect your investment and that includes shipping your classic car home, instead of driving it.

  • Save Money on Insurance with a Tight Budget

    Save Money on Insurance with a Tight Budget

    Have you ever thought about saving $50 or more on your auto insurance each month? You cannot eliminate car insurance from your budget because it is mandatory by law in all but just one state. You can, however, use these helpful strategies that can get your automobile premiums lowered and put money back in your pocket. With these useful tips below, you can get the savings you deserve today. Once you are ready, just go for a no-obligation rate quote online.

    1. Get a Car that is Cheap to Insure

    When you purchase an automobile, there are several things you need to consider including the cost, maintenance and the price of insuring it. If you want to get your premiums lower, then get a car that is cheaper to insure. Even if you pay $1,000 more for the vehicle, you can easily make up that amount with lower insurance costs. In general, stay away from high-performance cars like Porsches and Corvettes. While these automobiles are fun to drive, they can cost a small fortune to insure. The faster your car is in most cases, the higher the bill will be. Next, stay away from premium vehicles that are costly to repair like Jaguars.

    Some exotic cars have pure aluminum bodies that are extremely expensive to fix. Automobile insurers will factor these repair or replacement costs into the cost of your premiums. You will end up paying in some instances double the cost for insurance to a comparable, less costly vehicle. You will pay significantly less for boring automobiles like the VW Jetta or Subaru Forester. While these autos might not be as fast or fun, they are safe and will save you money on auto insurance. If you are  on a tight budget, you surely want car insurance buy now pay later, but just a few companies offer that option today.

    2. Do not Purchase a Vehicle that is on the Annual Top 10 Most Stolen List

    For those who are in the market for a used or new car, you should first check the annual top 10 vehicle theft list. You should then stay away from all of the cars on the list if you want to get lower insurance prices. For the last decade, the Honda Accord and Civic have been in the top 3 almost every year, this is because thieves have such an easy time reselling them. Older Honda models are often worth less than $5,000, making a possible jail sentence, if caught, unlikely. Most people think that high-end cars like BMWs are in the target of thieveries the most, this is not true.

    Thieves most often target foreign-made cars like Honda Civic because they are easy to steal, and there is an enormous overseas market for these automobiles. In 2018, the Audi, BMW, and Lexus brands all made the top 10 list of the least stolen cars. Consider getting a used Audi that has depreciated 70% or more if you are on a tight budget. You will have an exotic ride that is fun to drive and cheap to insure. Nowadays almost everyone has the chance to buy now pay later car insurance.

    Nowadays, almost everyone has the chance to buy now pay later car insurance.

    3. If you have an older Automobile, reduce your Coverage and Save

    Do you have comprehensive coverage on your older vehicle that has depreciated more than 65% since you purchased it? If so, you might want to think about getting rid of this more expensive protection. Why pay an extra $700 or $900 a year in insurance when the vehicle might be worth just $3,000 or less? It might make more sense financially to save that money and invest it.

    You could then buy liability coverage for the state minimums and reduce your premium cost. It is possible to buy this primary insurance for $29 a month in some areas for qualified drivers. If you are ever in an at-fault accident and your car is totaled, you will likely have the money already saved up. You can get customized automobile quotation from access auto insurance in just five short minutes.

    4. Select a Higher Deductible and Save

    Did you know it is possible to save 10% or more on car insurance just by raising the deductible? the easiest way to save and still get adequate automobile coverage is this one. If you want to save the most, consider a deductible of $1,000, this will lower your premiums quite a bit, but remember to set aside this amount in the unfortunate event you end up in a crash and file an insurance claim.

    5. Drive less and Get Cheaper Auto Insurance

    Insurers calculate your rates in large part based on the risk you pose of getting involved in an accident. The more you drive, the more you are exposed to the possibility of a crash. On the contrary, the less you drive, the less likely you are to get involved in any incident. Just by driving less than 1,000 miles monthly, you can save 10% or even more with most insurers. It might mean making some lifestyle changes, like not taking as many long drives or even hooking up with ride-sharing services to work, but you will save a lot on coverage each year.

    6. Bundle All your Automobiles and Home together with one Insurer

    One of the best insurance tips is to combine your cars and property with one company; this makes sense for several reasons. The first is you can get huge discounts of 10% or more. The second is you will save much time by dealing with just one insurer and one bill. Having your insurance simplified will make your life easier and make claim processing even faster. Praetorian insurance, an insurance company located in the heart of New York, provides customers with quick and easy ways to get home and auto insurance quotes online.

    7. Find the Best Rates on the Web

    Do you know that most people find the best auto insurance deals online? This is because insurers know people start their buying process on the internet. To get the best rate, let the company do all the hard work for you. If you want to match up to ten companies, just apply for a fast-online quote. You will even get full credit for any discounts you qualify for like military or good driver. Get going today and see how much you can save when you apply for very cheap car insurance no deposit.

  • Does Sound Deadening Work In Cars?

    Does Sound Deadening Work In Cars?

    Perhaps you are new in the automobile industry, and you are unable to define what a sound deadener is. For many years now, sound deadener has been very popular amongst bass heads and audiophiles in the mobile electronics industry. If you like listening to music while traveling or driving, you have an opportunity to enhance your car audio quality using sound-deadening materials. If you have bought your first car, you can do the upgrade using quality deadening materials.

    1)            Car Sound Deadening

    Have you been asking yourself, how do you get the best sound out of your car’s audio system? The answer to this question is simple. Deadening Dynamat materials can help you get the better sound quality that you need. Therefore, there are more Dynamat alternatives that can better meet your budget while still working as expected. Covering some sound vibrations in your car is not an easy task. However, with the use of these materials, it will be easier to solve all your sound problems.

    2)            How to Sound Deaden Your Car

    Even though making your car entirely soundproof to external noise can be impossible, you have the chance to reduce the vibrations. Also, you can decrease and the amount of racket by sound-deadening your vehicle. In doing this, you will receive quality sound within your car, and trust me; you will have a comfortable ride. Therefore, if you have finally decided to sound-deaden your vehicle, here are some of the steps that you need to consider.

    3)            Choose Quality Damping Materials

    The first step to sound-deaden your car is selecting quality damping materials such as sprays, foams, or mats. In most incidences, experts will advise you to use the combinations of these materials if you want to attain maximum damping. Why is it advisable to use damping materials? Ideally, damping materials are used to reduce vibrations, eliminate resonance, and absorb sound waves.

    4)            Add Weight to Panels

    After you have chosen these damping materials, the next step that you need to consider in this process is adding weight to the panels using various damping mats. Why is it advisable to add weight to boards using damping mats? When you add extra weight to the panels, they will help the panel’s tendency to vibrate. Therefore, this will prevent unwanted sound.

    5)            Use Foams and Sprays

    The next step that should follow in this process is filling small spaces with foam spray or sprays. It is vital to note that most of these materials expand with time as they cure. In doing this, they enable them to push against the adjacent panels and create a sound deadening joint that disperses and absorbs the vibrating energy. When using these sprays, make sure that you check the labels to verify whether they can be ideal in the given task. After this, you can now come to the insulation method and finish your job.

    6)            Does Sound Deadening Work In Cars?

    It is no doubt that sound deadening works in cars. It is one of the processes that most drivers recommend. With excessive road-noise, you can now reduce it with this process. Therefore, ensure that you have a comfortable and relaxed ride.

  • The 10-hour IMSA WeatherTech Championship finale showdown on Saturday

    The 10-hour IMSA WeatherTech Championship finale showdown on Saturday

    The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for the annual 10-hour Petit Le Mans will be held on Saturday at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta to wrap up the 2019 season.

    Oliver Gavin, Tommy Milner and Marcel Fässler will look to finish one spot better than 2018 driving the No. 4 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Chevrolet Corvette C7.R.  Get yourself on spot better at real online slot games.

    Antonio Garcia, Jan Magnussen and Mike Rockenfeller are back for this year’s Petit Le Mans as Corvette Racing seeks its first victory at Road Atlanta since 2010. Garcia and Magnussen, two-time and defending GT Le Mans (GTLM) champions currently sit third in this year’s points chase with an outside chance a third straight title.  Catch your title at cash casino games and at allcasinoscanada.com.

    “I really want to win Petit Le Mans. Corvette Racing has always been strong at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in past years but we have just missed out on wins there. It’s been very, very close. The championship is very unlikely so we can go all-out for a win.” Garcia said.
    “I’ve made every start at Petit Le Mans since 1999, so this race has a special meaning to me. The event is great, the fans are great and the track is great. In many ways it’s the most demanding race we do.” Magnussen said.

    “I’m really looking forward to getting back in the Corvette again for this race. We were so close at Le Mans and I feel like a win here would take away some of that sting.” Rockenfeller said.

    This will also be the final Race for Corvette C7.R. As revealed last week, the team will field the mid-engine Corvette C8.R in 2020 starting with the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

    Co-drivers Earl Bamber and Laurens Vanthoor in the No. 912 Porsche hold a 12-point lead over teammates Patrick Pilet and Nick Tandy in the No. 911 Porsche. The German marque also has a 19-point edge over Ford in the manufacturer chase. All the Porsches need do is leave the starting grid for the 10-hour race to secure the GTLM driver, team and manufacturer championships.

    Television coverage of the Motul Petit Le Mans begins on the NBC Network at noon ET Saturday, Oct. 12. The broadcast shifts exclusively to the NBC Sports App and NBCSports.com from 3-5:30 p.m. ET. NBCSN takes over the broadcast from that point until its dramatic conclusion on Saturday night. The NBC Sports App and NBCSports.com also will have live flag-to-flag coverage.

    IMSA Radio will have live coverage throughout the race week on IMSA.com and RadioLeMans.com, with a live race broadcast airing on SiriusXM Radio.

    Tickets for the race are available at RoadAtlanta.com.

    2019 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship – GTLM Standings (After 10 of 11 Events)
    Driver Standings (Top-10)
    1. Earl Bamber/Laurens Vanthoor – 304
    2. Nick Tandy/Patrick Pilet – 292
    3. Antonio Garcia/Jan Magnussen – 289
    4. Dirk Mueller – 283
    5. Richard Westbrook/Ryan Briscoe – 281
    6. Connor De Phillippi – 263
    7. John Edwards/Jesse Krohn – 257
    8. Oliver Gavin – 251
    9. Joey Hand – 231
    10. Tom Blomqvist – 228

    There are three additional racing series also competing for their championships at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta this weekend. The Factory 120 featuring the Michelin Pilot Challenge, the IMSA Prototype Challenge and the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama are also being held.

  • Why hire a professional for tinting your car’s windows?

    Why hire a professional for tinting your car’s windows?

    The car windows without films can feel naked and intrusive too. Hence, you may want to tint it as soon as possible. After all, it not only checks glare and heat but also increases privacy. As a customer, you get two options to go about it. You can either do it on your own or take professional help. The DIY kits available for a low price can seem tempting, but if you want to enjoy returns on your investment, then opt for hiring a credible vehicle window tinting service in your local area. There are enough reasons to support this.

    Advantages of using professional car window tinting service

    Knowledge about the local tinting rules

    Every city and state can have its laws around the shade of the film that you can use on your windows. These regulations have come into place due to safety reasons. A large number of window tinting service providers adhere to these standards to ensure a hassle-free experience for you. You cannot expect such a guarantee with DIY kits.

    The expertise part

    If you use a costly pro kind of tint kit, you can somewhat rest assured of the quality. However, there is no assurance if you bring a low-priced DIY kit for your window. Then, the other challenge can be your experience, mainly if it’s the first time for you. Light wind or breeze is more than sufficient to spoil your hard work by causing crinkles and creases. Also, the sticking of dirt and dust can be another issue.

    You can also face the problem at the time of removing it as the gooey adhesive may not relent to leave the surface of the vehicle’s glass quickly.

    To make sure you don’t go through all this hassle, you can entrust a professional company like SmartfilmAz with this job. They will use the best quality materials while making sure there are no debris, crinkles, and air bubbles. Similarly, they can replace or remove the existing film with the right use of equipment without causing any damage to the surface in less time.

    Fixing the bad job

    As a car owner, you can demand the company to correct the tinting job that went bad or refund the amount. You cannot expect any such things to happen when you do it yourself. You would need to buy another package. There is no option of returning the item also.

    Hence, if you have been thinking all this while that you would do the tinting job for your car’s windows, then reconsider your idea once. If you trust your skills and want to save a few bucks, then only should you opt for a DIY solution. Otherwise, hiring a professional makes more sense. He can do his job correctly, making sure all the required areas are covered. If the film is well laid out, it can protect you and your car from the harmful UV rays by up to 99%. At the same time, you can stay cool inside despite the hot sun looming outside. Overall, the thermal insulation of your car can become better.

  • NASCAR racing schedule for Dover

    NASCAR racing schedule for Dover

    The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and the Xfinity Series travel to Dover International Speedway this weekend.

    For the Cup Series, the Playoffs continue with the first race in the Round of 12. Chase Elliott is the defending race winner and has the second-best driver rating of 108.3 at the track. You might want to check on the other drivers ratings at Betolimp.

    Jimmie Johnson is the top-rated driver at Dover and leads the series with 11 victories at the 1-mile track. His last Cup Series win was at Dover on June 4. 2017. There are other drivers with good rankings that can be found at Sports betting south africa.

    Kyle Busch (104.6), Kyle Larson (100.6), Martin Truex Jr. (99.0), Kevin Harvick (96.0), Brad Keselowski (92.9), Clint Bowyer (90.1), Daniel Suarez (89.9) and Kurt Busch (89.4) round out the top 10 rated drivers at Dover.

    This will be the last race in the Round of 12 for the Xfinity Series. After Dover, four drivers will be eliminated and the Playoff contenders will be cut down to eight drivers. Christopher Bell is the defending race winner.

    The NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series has another week off. They will return to the track October 12 at Talladega Superspeedway.

    All times shown are Eastern.

    Friday, October 4

    12:35 p.m. – 1:25 p.m. Xfinity Series First Practice on NBCSN
    1:35 p.m. – 2:25 p.m. Monster Energy Cup Series First Practice on NBCSN
    2:35 p.m. – 3:25 p.m. Xfinity Series Final Practice on NBCSN
    3:35 p.m. – 4:25 p.m. Monster Energy Cup Series Final Practice on NBCSN

    Saturday, October 5

    12:05 p.m. Xfinity Series Qualifying – Impound (Single Vehicle/Two Laps All Positions) on NBC Sports App/NBCSN will televise beginning at 12:30 p.m.
    1:35 p.m. Monster Energy Cup Series Qualifying – Impound (Single Vehicle/Two Laps All Positions) on NBCSN/MRN
    3:00 p.m. Xfinity Series Use Your Melon Drive Sober 200 – 200 miles/200 Laps – Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 45), Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 90), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 200) – on NBCSN/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

    Sunday, October 6

    2:30 p.m. Monster Energy Cup Series Drydene 400 – 400 miles/400 Laps -Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 120), Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 240), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 400) – on NBCSN/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

  • Adrenaline Fueled Racing Slots to Try when the Track isn’t Open

    Adrenaline Fueled Racing Slots to Try when the Track isn’t Open

    Best Racing Slots Online

    If you’re a car racing fan be it NASCAR or Formula 1, you’ll enjoy this post that explores some of the best ever racing slots. These are perfect entertainment choices while you’re waiting for the next NASCAR race to take place and with a little bit of luck, they can also add some cash to your bank balance. Racing and speed are what all the slots we’ve listed in this article are about and they are the perfect way to get your racing fix when the racetrack is closed. They feature cars, trucks, bonus racing games, and much more. They are all from top software providers, well designed, and come with huge jackpots that are begging to be won.

    Best Ever Racing Slots

    There are thousands of online casino games to choose from and if you’re struggling to choose which ones to play, our list below can help as can the great reviews and bonuses from top10casinos.com. Free spins and no deposit bonuses are a great way to try out these games for free without any risk. You can spin the reels, see how the bonus features work, how to trigger jackpots and more without parting with your hard earned cash. What’s more, a no deposit or free spins bonus will let you win real money too. Whether you prefer to spin the reels on your mobile, tablet, or desktop, there’s a racing game for everyone to enjoy. Below are 8 of the all time favorite racing themed slots for you to try.

    • Drive: Multiplier Mayhem: This NetEnt racing slot has a massive following. The reels are set against a nighttime background with cars racing down the highway. Spins start from as little as $0.05 and go up to $75. The jackpot up for grabs is a massive 383,175 coins which will get you a pretty flash set of wheels. The bonus round is a must, and this is where you get to race against other drivers. There are free spins too and as you fill up your nitro meter you’ll advance through the levels. The higher you go, the bigger the prizes. Whether you agree with Kyle Busch’s criticism on NASCAR racing or not, Drive will have you on the edge of your seat in this adrenaline inducing game.
    • Racing for Pinks: This Microgaming 5 reel, 243 ways to win NASCAR themed slot is a must play. This street racing game comes with plenty of bonus features too including free spins, wilds, and multipliers, and more. The action packed animations will keep you spinning too. Can you cross the checkered flag in the Bonus Race. If you do, you’ll win 75x your wager. Free spins and wilds are included too. Keep an eye out for the girl logo as she triggers the free spins on reels 1 and 5. There are plenty of big and small wins to be had with every spin.
    • Highway Kings: Truck driving fans will love this 5 reel, 9 payline slot from software giant Playtech. Spins start at just 0.09 and go up to 45 making it suitable for all budgets. The RTP is 97.06% which is great too. There are no big features included in this game but there are wilds and loads of big and small wins to be had including the jackpot prize that will get you 10,000x your wager if you get five red trucks on the reels.
    • Green Light: This 5 reel, 20 payline title from RTG comes with excellent graphics and racing themed symbols. Get three or more green light symbols and you trigger the Green Light Bonus game where you choose 1 of the 5 cars displayed to race. You can win up to 25 free spins. What’s more, you can also win a progressive jackpot on any spin.
    • Formula X: This Formula 1 themed slot from Spielo features stunning graphics and spins start from 0.25. There are five reels and 25 paylines as well as three progressive jackpots. The cartoon styled symbols include a driver’s helmet, a trophy, a red cap, and more and with free spins, wilds, and a bonus round, there is plenty to keep players entertained. This is a modern slot with packed with motorsport symbols and the wild symbol helps to create even more winning combinations.
    • Turbo GT: This Slotland game has 5 reels and 11 paylines. The free spins bonus round is triggered when you get three scatter symbols anywhere on the reels and extra spins are awarded for every scatter you spin after this. The free spins are great for boosting your wins and the graphics are excellent too.
    • Rally: This NASCAR themed slot features monster trucks as well as plenty of dirt and mud. Players will enjoy the squeal of brakes and roaring car engines as well as the damage that is created. If burning rubber is something you’re looking for, this slot from Leander Games is sure to keep you entertained. The Rally bonus round is superb, and you’ll be required to complete all 13 legs to claim the grand prize. It’s not as easy as it sounds and there are loads of obstacles that you’ll have to dodge while you try to keep your car’s damage to a minimum. Wilds and scatters help boost your wins too.
    • Midnight Race: This racing themed slot was developed by Saucify and has 5 reels and 30 paylines. It is packed full of great features such as free spins, multipliers, and wilds. It has an illegal street racing story line that players follow as they spin the reels. There are up to 20 free spins available which can be re-triggered for even more wins.

    All the above racing slots can be played on mobile and desktop and what better way to stay entertained when the track is closed or while you’re waiting on the next big race in the Gander outdoor Truck series. All the NASCAR slots offer high-octane experiences as well as some great bonus features and cash rewards. Grab your mobile and get racing and winning.

  • How Electric Cars Could Help Power Our Homes in the Future

    How Electric Cars Could Help Power Our Homes in the Future

    Few people are aware of the fact that electric cars have been around since the 19th century, when they were used as taxis and city cars. When the internal combustion engine came along, it overshadowed the electric vehicle and motor vehicles became all the rage – until today. Due to environmental concerns as well as the ever-rising price of oil, the electric car has once more become the focus of attention. The Tesla Roadster, launched in 2008, inspired car manufacturers to come up with their own original electric car designs, and so the story of EVs begins, once again.

    There are several reasons which stand behind their rising popularity, such as the use of clean energy for instance. Even though coal, crude oil and natural gas are powerful energy providers, they are potent pollutants that add to the detrimental effect of greenhouse gasses to the ozone layer causing worrying climate change. Furthermore, the energy sources for motor vehicles have been almost depleted, especially in the last 150 years. People have started turning to cleaner and more efficient transportation options and renewable energy sources. The advantages of electric cars already outweigh the disadvantages to a great extent, and the cars are perfected daily in order to meet all the needs of their consumers.

    The issue at hand is the supply of power to electric vehicles. Charging your EV at home is one thing, but charging on the road is still limited, since the available charging stations are not as widespread as the petrol variant. This is one of the main reasons people are not rushing to buy this cleaner, quieter and cheaper means of transport. However, the infrastructure is rapidly growing to accommodate EV users. Mind you, this is only a concern of those who plan to cover more than 200km (or even 485km depending on the make of the car) between charging periods. For a city dweller, running the usual errands of picking up the kids, doing the shopping and the like, this is hardly an issue.

    What’s important is that we have found a clean, renewable energy source. Scientists have been working hard on the ways in which we can use electricity as fuel and at the same time get something in return. Believe it or not, your electric car will very soon be able to power your home thanks to the vehicle to grid (or V2G) scheme. Your EV has one big storage pack of energy, i.e. a big battery. If you charge the battery while the electricity is cheap, and sell it back to the grid when it is expensive, you could save a significant amount of money and help power your own home as well. Not only will you help balance the high demand when it comes to supplying the necessary electricity to the city, you will also be able to cover the annual cost of charging your car. At present, work is being done on an experimental project in which electric car owners can cooperate with their energy suppliers, and hand over battery management to them.

    Renowned car manufacturing companies such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Nissan are all busy developing home batteries which would integrate EVs into the residential power systems. One of the solutions is that the batteries are charged via solar panels during the day, which would later be used to charge the cars at night while they’re parked in the garage. On the other hand, car owners could charge home batteries by using their vehicles. Either way, it is an efficient and economical solution.

    Furthermore, this kind of integration would reduce the need for additional grid storage and power plants, since the cars would be charged at low-demand times and batteries would feed the grid during high demand periods.

    As far as finances go, the study conducted to calculate the savings took four countries into consideration – France, Italy, Spain and the UK and came to the conclusion that between them they could save up to $1.5 billion each year. Still, in order for everything to go as smoothly as possible, smart charging has to be introduced, since simultaneous charge-ups of vehicles might very easily overload the grid. This is where smart chargers come in. They will allow vehicles to draw power while avoiding peak periods but still making sure they are charged and ready to go when necessary. Instead of investing huge amounts of money in grid reinforcement, smart charging would lessen that amount up to 60%.

    The future looks bright for the electric car (and you), and even if they are currently not as widespread as petrol ones, the prognosis is that by 2030 there could be as many as nine million EVs on the road. The ongoing research is definitely aiming for a far better and cleaner future and we for one are looking forward to it.

  • Car accident lawyers – Understanding their roles and responsibilities

    Car accident lawyers – Understanding their roles and responsibilities

    Life is uncertain! Also, accidents are common and can take place anytime. One of the most types of accidents and mishaps are car accidents. It happens either because of bad luck or complete negligence of the drivers. Rash driving and driving under the influence of alcohol and other intoxicating substances can also result in car accidents. There are times when innocent people have to serve jail time because of a car accident. It is here that you require a car accident attorney.

    Today, you will come across various personal injury lawyers who manage car accident cases. To know more, you can check out http://www.dennishernandez.com/personal-injury-lawyer-tampa/car-accident. There are several ways in which a car accident lawyer helps his clients. A few of his essential duties and responsibilities are as follows:

    • Is aware of the Negligence Law

    Based on the Negligence Law, the individual accountable for the car accident has to compensate the ones injured for a crash. Once an accident has occurred, you can’t go back in time and change the incident. The main objective of the Negligence Law is to offer the injured individuals with ample compensation so that they can use the same to recover the damages caused. It is essential for a car accident lawyer to know this law and also ensure that it gets observed with accuracy.

    • Interview his client and get all the required facts

    A lawyer needs to know the minute details about a car accident! For this, he/she has to interview the client and get to the essential information. All these details are useful for preparing a legal case and presenting the same at the court before the judge. Through the interview, the lawyer can find out the loose ends that need to get tied.

    • Ensure that the immediate actions happen seamlessly

    The lawyer arranges for ways to review their client’s car insurance policy! It enables them to check the coverage available for paying for the client’s lost wages and medical bills. Place the health insurance on notice for the claim. The lawyers also commence the initial investigation of a person’s request. And this process might comprise of collecting physical evidence, communicating with the accident witnesses, and photographing both the accident scenes as well as the vehicles. ‘

    • They help in a detailed analysis

    A car accident lawyer can analyze the legal problems that are present, to decide if there could be another person who is accountable for this claim. Are there other facts that can go against their client? If yes, the lawyer should analyze the situation and know about it.

    • Manage the insurance

    Once the client has decided to contact a lawyer in their area the lawyer in turn will get in touch with their client’s insurance company and hand over a loss coverage notice. They further negotiate with insurance adjusters and try to settle the exact claim. Hence, they can set up discussions and negotiations to determine whether a lawsuit is required or not.

    These are some of the essential duties and accountabilities of a car accident lawyer. There are various other accountabilities that lawyers need to address. When you are searching for one, make sure that they cater to the above pointers and understand your car accident case accurately.

    How to Find a Good Car Accident Lawyer

    When a person gets into a traffic collision, the insurance company usually takes care of everything. You’ll never be able to find them, and they might not be found anywhere. However, it is important to be able to get a fair settlement for the accident. So, having a competent car accident lawyer is essential.

    Many car accident lawyers have been practicing for years, but this doesn’t mean that they specialize in this field. You need to ensure that the lawyer you hire has ample experience in handling these cases. These experienced Orlando car accident attorneys, for example, are committed to putting their resources, experience, and dedication into ensuring that the at-fault party is properly held accountable and you are compensated for all your injuries.

    Another important thing is that you should find a lawyer who is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL). The APIL is a nonprofit organization, so you can be sure that the lawyer it has approved follow ethical standards when they practice.

    Having a car accident lawyer is also very important because they can help you get compensation on medical fees, as well as damages to your car. The insurance company will always want to pay less than the actual damage that you have caused the vehicle. So, you need to make sure that the lawyer you’re going to hire is capable of negotiating the amount you’re eligible for.

    Nowadays, it is possible for every victim to find a good car accident lawyer. There are many lawyers in the city, such as one from Shiner Law Group, who have made it their business to help victims of this kind of situation. As such, a car accident victim can find one by checking the local phone directory or by looking through the Internet.

    To find a lawyer, you may also consult friends, family, colleagues, and other people who are familiar with the local courthouse. These people are able to give you advice regarding the best lawyer in your locality, and might also know about the lawyer’s previous records. Moreover, they can likely recommend a lawyer who has experience.

  • 5 Quick Safety Tips for ATV Riders

    5 Quick Safety Tips for ATV Riders

    Do you enjoy driving off-road trails and looking to get a proper vehicle for your adventures? The most common vehicles for off-road drivers are by far dirt bikes and ATVs. There are many differences in driving dynamics and physics of these vehicles, so it’s crucial that you know all about your vehicle before buying.

    ATVs feature four-wheel vehicles that can pass all kinds of terrains. Four-wheel drive and high weight compared to dirt bikes can seem like ATVs are perfectly secure, but is it the case? Continue reading and learn more about the differences between ATVs and dirt bikes along with crucial safety tips that’ll make your adventure way more comfortable. 

    ATV or dirt bike – which off-road vehicle is safer?

    Contrary to a popular belief that a heavier vehicle is more stable and secure, there are a few interesting studies about the number of ATV accidents. 

    The resourceful research from John Hopkins University concluded that ATV accidents are at least 50% more serious and dangerous compared to dirt bike accidents. The study showed that more than half of the drivers that were involved in ATV accidents didn’t wear a helmet or protective gear. Dirt bike drivers tend to care about protection gear and high-quality helmets that, in many cases, save their lives. Another important factor to mention is the weight of vehicles. Dirt bikes usually don’t weigh more than 100 kg while ATVs can weigh up to 400 kg. Further, drivers usually separate from dirt bikes in a collision while ATV drivers get stuck under a heavy vehicle. 

    When driving ATV, dirt bike or any off-road vehicle, be sure to wear protective gear at all cost. Since ATVs are way heavier than dirt bikes and the rate of fatal accidents is significantly higher, it’s recommended to invest in a durable ATV helmet. If you don’t know which ATV helmets are best, it’s recommended to consult with other ATV drivers or motorcycle clubs in your area. 

    5 Quick Safety Tips for ATV Riders 

    Since the accidents are very common among ATV drivers, it’s important to raise awareness about safety. In the following text, you can read a few easy applicable safety tips that will definitely keep you safer and more comfortable while driving an ATV. 

    #1- Drive the right ATV type 

    Before hitting the road, it’s crucial that you pick the right type of ATV for you. There are various crucial aspects to look at before choosing the proper ATV:

    • Driver’s age
    • Driver’s weight
    • Driver’s height

    For instance, driving a powerful 700cc ATV as a 16-year-old doesn’t seem like a good idea? If you’re younger than 16, we recommend driving ATVs that are under 250cc. Once you’re bigger, older and have more experience, you can get on a stronger ATV. 

    #2- Don’t overspeed

    Understanding the basics of ATV driving isn’t that complex, but getting really good requires experience. Many novice drivers get very comfortable early and start overspeeding on uneven terrains which usually results in accidents. Driving fast definitely pushes your adrenaline levels through the roof and it’s fun, but it’s recommended to start slow until you manage to understand your ATV and weight distribution while turning. 

    #3- Avoid paved roads

    While driving on paved roads is totally fine, you have to be extremely careful since ATV tires aren’t designed for paved roads. Tire threads are designed for unpaved roads and off-road situations, so driving on paved roads will do extra damage to your tires. Also, it’s important to note that ATV tires are prone to blowouts, especially on higher speeds which can cause a serious accident. It’s recommended to drive extra slow and careful on paved roads if you really need to. 

    #4- Learn to properly sit on ATV

    Getting off the seat is a common practice by novice drivers and it can be fatal. While you stand up from the sit, it automatically became very uncomfortable and hard to control throttle, clutch and brakes. The most important thing while driving ATV is to sit properly. Find a comfortable position, don’t sit too near or too far from the handles and learn when to get out of the seat. If you experience sore arms after a driving session it might indicate that you were sitting too far from the handles. 

    #5- Wear protective equipment

    This is probably the most important safety advice. Never drive without proper safety equipment. If you don’t have money to invest in a full-protection such as chest protectors, boots, gloves, helmet, suit, and goggles, it’s recommended to at least have a helmet and chest protection. Did you know that the majority of fatal ATV accidents involves a serious spine or torso injury? Chest protector, in these cases, might be a piece of equipment that saves your life. 

    With all being said, ATV driving is loads of fun but never forget about your safety. Learn the basics and gradually try new and advanced tricks. Enjoy your ride!